Excitement in the Air for Lawson

Following an exhilarating Friday practice session for the Japanese Grand Prix, Liam Lawson expressed his excitement about returning to Racing Bulls after a challenging experience with the senior Red Bull team. The New Zealand driver, who recently lost his spot at Red Bull to Yuki Tsunoda, concluded the session at the Suzuka Circuit, a track that has captivated drivers for its unique challenges, with a commendable seventh place finish. Meanwhile, his new teammate Isack Hadjar showcased impressive form, clocking in just ahead of him in third position.

A Smooth Return to Suzuka

Lawson relished the experience, saying, “It was a good day. Nice to be driving, nice to be driving at Suzuka again. It’s a very cool track,” highlighting the changes brought on by resurfacing that have made Sector 1 notably faster, which he described as an exhilarating experience.

Comparing the Cars

When asked to compare the Racing Bulls' VCARB 02 to the RB21 he drove earlier in the season, Lawson remarked, “It felt good. It does feel different, definitely. I think it’s maybe not what everyone expects.” Despite the adjustments, he expressed optimism about the car’s performance this season, complimenting the team's strong pace and the positive atmosphere surrounding his return.

Support from the Team

Lawson took a moment to appreciate the warm welcome he received from Racing Bulls, particularly acknowledging the support from team principal Laurent Mekies. “It’s been nice. Everybody’s been very, very positive... I’ve spent a lot of time with this team; they’re a great bunch of people,” he said with a smile, signaling his eagerness to achieve success together this weekend.

Hadjar's High Hopes

Hadjar, reflecting on his top-three result amid disruptions in FP2, echoed Lawson's enthusiasm. “It was more than encouraging and just really fun,” he noted, emphasizing that the combination of the car and track felt outstanding. The French driver displayed confidence about translating their strong qualifying pace into a solid race performance.

Looking Ahead

As the teams gear up for the crucial qualifying session tomorrow, all eyes will be on Racing Bulls as they look to harness their promising momentum in one of the most challenging circuits on the F1 calendar. Fans and pundits alike are eager to see if Lawson and Hadjar can convert their practice performances into a memorable race day, sparking speculation and excitement for what lies ahead!