Liam Lawson Set to Start 12th at US Grand Prix After Qualifying Setback

Liam Lawson will begin the US Grand Prix in Austin from the 12th position, narrowly missing a top 10 spot by just 0.122 seconds. This marks the second consecutive day Lawson’s final qualifying time was disqualified due to exceeding track limits. He had initially qualified 15th for the sprint race held on Sunday morning.

Despite the setback, Lawson emerged as the second-fastest driver among the Red Bull-backed competitors. His teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, managed to secure only the 13th-best time, while Isack Hadjar faced a more significant challenge after crashing into the wall. Hadjar’s qualifying position would have placed him at the back of the grid, but a five-place penalty awarded to Lance Stroll of Aston Martin for causing a crash during the sprint race allows him to start in 19th instead of 20th.

Strategic Opportunities Ahead

Starting outside the top 10 may provide Lawson and his team with a tactical advantage, reminiscent of last year’s race strategy. In that event, Lawson started from 19th position, opting for hard tyres and extending his first stint before switching to medium tyres, ultimately finishing in ninth place. This strategy could be crucial in navigating the challenges of the Circuit of the Americas, known for its complex layout and competitive field.

The US Grand Prix is set to take place later today, and the unpredictability of the race could favor drivers like Lawson, who have shown resilience and adaptability under pressure. As the teams prepare for the race, Lawson’s performance will be closely watched, especially given his promising pace in practice sessions leading up to the event.

With the race scheduled to begin at 20:00 UTC, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how Lawson capitalizes on his starting position and whether he can replicate or improve upon his previous performance. The challenges of the Austin circuit, combined with Lawson’s determination, may pave the way for an exciting race day.