Key Highlights
- Liam Lawson qualified fifth in a wet and delayed Sao Paulo session, which converts into a P3 starting spot on Sunday due to penalties for rival drivers.
- Despite the top-three start, the Racing Bulls driver felt he left performance on the table after traffic and sudden rain compromised his final Q3 attempt.
- Racing Bulls teammate Arvid Lindblad suffered a power unit failure in Q2, ending his session early and leaving him 12th on the provisional starting grid.
Lawson Secures Second-Row Start Amid Sao Paulo Rain
Liam Lawson delivered a standout qualifying display during a rain-affected Saturday at the AutĂłdromo JosĂ© Carlos Pace, guiding his Racing Bulls challenger through standing water, heavy spray, and an initial weather delay to clock the fifth-fastest time in Q3. With several front-runners carrying engine and grid penaltiesâincluding George Russell, Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, and Max VerstappenâLawson’s fifth-place effort was subsequently elevated to third on the provisional starting grid for Sundayâs Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Despite securing a prime spot on the second row, the New Zealander reflected on what might have been, noting that circumstances during his final Q3 outing prevented him from unleashing the full pace of his machinery.
Obviously, we’re in a good place for tomorrow, but we didn’t quite maximise it,
Lawson said. We had really good speed today, and I tried to make a gap before the last lap. I caught Fernando [Alonso] in the first one, then I aborted, and then it rained. So, I didn’t really get to do that final lap. But obviously, we get lucky tomorrow with a couple of places.
Weather Prospects and Seat Uncertainties
Looking ahead to the Grand Prix, conditions in Interlagos remain unpredictable. Lawson indicated that continued wet weather could provide an equalizer against typically faster front-running packages, though it brings considerable peril.
I think we have more of a chance, probably, in the wet,
he added. But there’s also a big risk with that, and we have a quick car in the dry.
The qualifying result also arrived amid intense speculation regarding Lawsonâs future, as Racing Bulls has yet to announce its driver line-up for 2027. Asked earlier in the race weekend what more he could do to solidify his seat, Lawson addressed whether a drive to third on the grid helps push decisions in his favor.
I mean, yeah, but it’s been like this for months now,
he told F1 TV. So, at this point, honestly, every time I get in the car, I’m just trying to enjoy it. And today I did.
You know, there’s a lot of horsepower in these cars, not much grip today. So, you’re really, like, there are places where it’s probably five seconds before you get to full throttle and it’s different for us. So, yeah, at the moment, being in the car is the most enjoyable part, I’d say.
Contrasting Fortunes: Power Unit Woes for Lindblad
On the opposite side of the Racing Bulls garage, British rookie Arvid Lindblad experienced a frustrating qualifying session cut short by technical trouble. After demonstrating strong pace early in the wet running, Lindblad was forced to park his car during Q2 on instructions from the team wall.
The mechanical stoppage marked only the third time in the last 13 Grands Prix that Lindblad missed the cut for Q3. He was classified 14th in the session and is set to line up 12th for the race once upstream grid drops are applied.
Q1 was good,
he explained afterwards. I felt really good, very happy. I mean, I wasn’t able to do the last lap, but I think on the penultimate lap I was P3 or something.
So, I mean, I was fast, I was feeling good, and then Q2, from the beginning, the car felt very strange. And then a PU (power unit) issue.
Why This Matters
Starting from third places Racing Bulls in an ideal position to score valuable championship points, a critical factor for the team’s standing in the Constructors’ Championship. With established front-runners such as Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton fighting forward from the back of the grid, Lawson has a rare buffer to battle inside the podium places from lights out. Furthermore, with Racing Bulls evaluating its long-term future and holding off on its 2027 seat confirmations, each high-pressure performance under adverse conditions offers Lawson leverage during ongoing contract discussions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will Liam Lawson start the Sao Paulo Grand Prix?
Liam Lawson will start from third on the grid. Although he set the fifth-fastest time in Q3, penalties assessed to rivals such as George Russell and Charles Leclerc promoted him two positions forward.
What caused Arvid Lindblad to stop in Q2?
Arvid Lindblad was forced to halt his running during the second qualifying phase due to a power unit (PU) issue, which left him unable to complete the session.
Where does Arvid Lindblad start on Sunday?
After qualifying in 14th position due to his Q2 stoppage, Lindblad will start 12th on the grid once penalties applied to other drivers take effect.
