Isack Hadjar has ruled out helping Liam Lawson “on track” after the New Zealander’s team tactics benefited him during the Monaco Grand Prix.
During the race in Monte Carlo, Lawson deliberately slowed down at the back. This gave Hadjar enough time to complete his two mandatory pit stops without losing positions.
This strategy helped Hadjar achieve his best Formula 1 finish so far, crossing the line in sixth place at the Circuit de Monaco.
Lawson himself finished eighth, which is also the best result of his career. It was his first points finish of the season.
The Racing Bulls teammates started a chain reaction. Williams and then Mercedes also managed their pace carefully to help their own teammates pit without losing track position.
When asked about Lawson’s role in the plan, Hadjar praised the 23-year-old’s effort.
“He did fantastic,” Hadjar told the media, including RacingNews365. “He did well to back off, and that was planned. I’ve thanked him enough now, I think.”
However, Hadjar said he did not have much to do with the strategy during the race. He said the hard work was in creating the plan and getting both drivers to qualify in the top 10.
“I didn’t do much… It’s Monaco, it’s not very hard to back anyone up,” he said. “The hardest part was finding the idea and qualifying next to each other. If both cars were not in Q3, it wouldn’t have worked.”
When asked how he might repay Lawson for the help, Hadjar was clear.
“Nothing racing related,” he said with a laugh. When the idea of treating Lawson to a nice dinner was suggested, he agreed, “Yeah, something like this, but nothing on track.”
Meanwhile, RacingNews365’s Ian Parkes, Sam Coop, and Nick Golding reviewed the Monaco race and discussed the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix. They highlighted the new mandatory two-stop rule, Lando Norris’ strong return, and the technical directive for Barcelona as key topics.
