The Brazil Sprint Race has sparked renewed controversy about stewarding decisions. A late Virtual Safety Car defined the Sprint race outcome, allowing Piastri and Norris to swap positions before the chequered flag. This slow VSC deployment also impacted drivers further down the field, including Liam Lawson.
Liam Lawson compromised by the VSC
More so than in previous years, decisions made by the FIA are under immense scrutiny.
With such high stakes in the Championship, every penalty and safety car could have huge consequences for the final standings.
At today’s Brazil Sprint, it was a slow VSC that played a decisive role.
With a few laps left in the race, Nico Hulkenberg’s VF-24 came to a halt. His car stopped on near the edge of the track, requiring marshals to be taken away safely.
In this circumstance, a Safety Car or Virtual Safety Car is normally called very quickly. However, it took a few minutes for the VSC to be officially deployed.
This delay gave McLaren enough time to issue team orders and tell Piastri to let Norris pass. In the context of the title battle between Verstappen and Piastri, moments like this are crucial.
However, it was not just the top three who were impacted. Liam Lawson, who was fighting Perez for 8th place, was also impacted.
Frustration with VSC timing
Lawson made his displeasure with VSC clear on team radio:
“Mate, the timing of all of that is unbelievable…
“I don’t even have words for what I’ve just watched.”
Lawson’s comments after crossing the line echoed some of the public reaction sparked by the VSC.
With qualifying and the Grand Prix itself still left to contest, there is already plenty of controversy surrounding Interlagos.
Max Verstappen has even been called to the stewards for a potential infringement.
As mentioned previously on LWOS, every decision made over the next few weeks will be of immense importance.
Liam Lawson is unlikely to be the last driver to make fiery statements before the 2024 campaign concludes.
