Source: Official Team Post via X
Liam Lawson's Unseen Singapore GP Radio: A Touch of Panic and a Dash of Humor
Liam Lawson's team radio from the Singapore Grand Prix reveals his candid concerns about Mercedes' George Russell, along with some light-hearted moments after a grueling race. Lawson's performance helped secure Racing Bulls' position in the constructors' standings.
In the high-stakes world of Formula 1, it's not just about what happens on the track but also what gets said over the radio. At the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix, Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson had a moment that was both candid and humorous, as revealed by untelevised team radio footage.
Lawson, who finished seventh, found himself under pressure from Mercedes' George Russell. The New Zealander admitted to a "bit of a panic" as Russell closed in during the latter stages of the race. Despite the tense moments, Lawson managed to keep Russell at bay, with the Mercedes driver ultimately finishing ninth.
The race radio exchange with Lawson's engineer, Alexandre Iliopoulos, captured the essence of the battle. By Lap 40, Iliopoulos was updating Lawson on the positions, noting that Russell was gaining ground. "Russell's gonna be here soon," Lawson remarked, clearly aware of the looming threat.
As the race progressed, Lawson's frustration became evident when he was held up by a lapped Sergio Perez, demanding, "Where the f**k are the blue flags?" It was a tense moment, but Iliopoulos reassured him that the flags were imminent.
With a dozen laps to go, Lawson queried his ability to maintain the necessary pace, to which Iliopoulos confidently responded that they were "happy" with his current usage of the car's capabilities. Despite the pressure, Lawson kept his cool and crossed the finish line two seconds ahead of Audi's Nico Hulkenberg.
After the race, Lawson's exhaustion was palpable. "Yeah, I'm pretty f**ked," he admitted with a laugh, adding that the race felt exceptionally long and challenging. Iliopoulos joined in the laughter, acknowledging the team's good strategy and Lawson's performance.
Lawson's seventh-place finish not only showcased his skill but also solidified Racing Bulls' fifth place in the constructors' standings, with a comfortable 32-point lead over Alpine. The Singapore Grand Prix might have been physically demanding, but Lawson's blend of competitiveness and humor on the radio highlighted why he's a driver to watch.