Formula 1: Liam Lawson to benefit as Racing Bulls bring major upgrade package for Canadian Grand Prix
A new set of car upgrades could give Racing Bulls a much-needed boost at Formula One’s Canadian Grand Prix, Liam Lawson hopes.
After a two-week break since the Miami Grand Prix, all 11 teams have headed to Canada, with many using the time off to design and implement upgrade packages in the hope of closing the gap to championship leaders Mercedes.
While all teams bar Ferrari, which introduced 11 upgrades in Miami, are hoping they’ve made improvements, results won’t be known until racing begins on Sunday morning (NZT), with Canada also being a sprint weekend.
For Racing Bulls, Canada is a big chance to reset. While Lawson’s team introduced six upgrades for the Miami Grand Prix, it is expected to bring even more significant changes to Montreal.
In the first race weekend under new technical director Dan Fallows, Racing Bulls have developed new sidepods, an engine cover, a mid-section and improved the front and rear wings.
Lawson was forced to retire from last year’s Canadian Grand Prix with a power unit issue.
However, the Circuit Giles Villeneuve is a favourite among the drivers, given its combination of fast straights and technical corners, and the Kiwi hopes for better this year.
“It’s exciting,” Lawson said. “It was a track that I loved driving last year.
“I didn’t have a very good weekend, but I really love this place, so I’m excited to get into it this weekend.
“We have an upgrade that we hope delivers well. If that all happens, then hopefully we’ll be in a good place.”
Lawson was also forced out of the Miami Grand Prix when a mechanical failure in the gearbox saw him lose control of his car and crash into Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, with both drivers’ races ended as a result.
Lawson was found not to be at fault and avoided any punishment.
He sits 10th in the drivers’ standings after the first four races of the year, as the second-best of the four Red Bull-backed cars.
And after positive results in China and Japan, he and Racing Bulls know there is potential for another good showing in Canada.
“I feel good, we’re trying to get used to making the most out of these cars. We’re learning every weekend.
“As the regulations change as well, we’re trying to stay on top of them. It’s a lot of learning at the moment.
“Miami was a tough weekend, but I think personally I felt really good. I feel good coming into this weekend as well.”
The weekend’s only free practice session begins at 4.30am (NZT), before sprint qualifying at 8.30am.
Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016.