Visa Cash App RB (VCARB) driver Liam Lawson thought his race was over following a collision with Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli. The incident, which occurred during the high-stakes race at the Red Bull Ring, left Lawson fearing his chances of a strong finish were dashed, but he battled back to secure an impressive P6 finish, showcasing his resilience and skill.
The clash with Antonelli, the young Italian prodigy who has been turning heads in his debut Formula 1 season, unfolded in the heat of the race as both drivers jostled for position. Lawson, reflecting on the incident, admitted to a moment of panic, believing the contact might have caused irreparable damage to his car. “I don’t know how I survived it,” Lawson said in a post-race interview, as reported on X. “I genuinely thought the race was done right there.” The incident sent a ripple of tension through the VCARB pit wall, with the team anxiously assessing the car’s condition as Lawson continued to push forward.
Despite the scare, Lawson’s car held up, allowing him to maintain his pace and capitalize on strategic calls from his team. The Austrian Grand Prix, known for its tight corners and demanding layout, provided a challenging backdrop for the drama, with the incident adding to the race’s intensity. Antonelli, who has been a standout rookie with a podium finish at the Canadian Grand Prix earlier in the season, was also able to continue, though the collision likely disrupted his rhythm as he navigates the steep learning curve of Formula 1.
Lawson’s recovery to P6 was a testament to his growing reputation as a composed and determined driver. The New Zealander, who has been steadily building his case for a permanent seat in the highly competitive Red Bull family, used the incident as motivation to push harder. “After the contact, I just focused on keeping it clean and making up as much ground as possible,” Lawson explained. His P6 finish marked a strong points haul for VCARB, bolstering their constructors’ championship campaign.
The incident has sparked discussions among fans and pundits, with many praising Lawson’s ability to recover under pressure while others debated the racing dynamics between him and Antonelli. The Italian, who became the youngest pole sitter in Formula 1 history at the Miami GP Sprint race, is seen as a future star, but incidents like this highlight the challenges of adapting to the sport’s relentless pace.