Lawson rues Alonso encounter in Sao Paulo qualifying

Liam Lawson qualified third for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, a career-best grid position, after Charles Leclerc and George Russell received grid penalties. He recorded the fifth-fastest time in the rain-affected Q3 session, finishing 0.226 seconds behind Kimi Antonelli.

Lawson said getting too close to Fernando Alonso on his preparation lap forced him to abort his second attempt, leaving him with only one run to set a competitive time. He told Sky Sports that he did not fully maximise the car's potential, though he acknowledged that a front-row start had been possible.

Despite the grid gain, Lawson said he remained disappointed, adding that he believed the Racing Bulls car was quick in all conditions and that Sunday's race was likely to be difficult.