Liam Lawson (right) celebrates his Azerbaijan GP performance, behind Max Verstappen (centre) and Carlos Sainz (left)
Photo: IAN BUNDEY / MPS AGENCY ©
After a string of inconsistent performances through his first full Formula 1 season, Kiwi Liam Lawson finally seems on the verge of something special.
In qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on the Baku City Circuit, Lawson, 23, clocked the third-fastest time of Q3, covering the 6km circuit in 1m 41.707s to finish behind reigning F1 champion Max Verstappen (1m 41.117s) and Carlos Sainz (1m 41.595s) of Williams Racing.
You may recall old mate Sainz clashed with Lawson at the Dutch GP, inferring his rival had gained a somewhat unwanted reputation for causing accidents out on the track.
Lawson has undoubtedly benefitted from a qualifying session marred by six red flags – none of them caused by him.
Meanwhile, McLaren can claim the constructors’ championship, if they beat nearest rivals Ferrari by nine points.
Join us for all the race action, with the flag due to drop about 11pm NZT.
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