Liam Lawson answers your questions - Ask a Formula 1 driver

Jun 13, 2024

Liam Lawson, the Red Bull Reserve Driver who surprised fans with his F1 debut in 2023, shares his unique insights. He discusses the pivotal role of reserve drivers and the emotional rollercoaster they experience. Listeners learn about the challenges of transitioning from qualifying laps to long race stints. Lawson also explains technical terms like understeer and oversteer, comparing racing strategies to everyday tasks — even grocery shopping! Tune in for intriguing anecdotes and advice for aspiring racers.

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ANECDOTE

Wrong Bus Morning

Liam accidentally took the wrong vehicle and rode an American-style yellow school bus to the circuit this morning.
He found the experience amusing and noted differences to UK transport and theme parks nearby.

ADVICE

Use Debriefs And Simulator Work

Attend briefings and debriefs at the track to learn from others and spot details full-time drivers miss.
Use simulator days away from the track to develop the car and prepare the team for race weekends.

INSIGHT

What The Racing Line Really Is

The racing line is the fastest way through a corner and is corner-specific, often involving a wide entry and full exit.
Most drivers converge on essentially the same line with only centimeter differences unless track specifics encourage alternatives.

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What do reserve drivers do? Why are F1 stars weighed after every race? What is the racing line (and how can it help you when doing grocery shopping)?

Cindy from California, Ana in India, Pierre from France and lots more F1 Explains listeners sent in questions about the life of an F1 driver. Christian Hewgill and Katie Osborne get the answers from Red Bull Reserve Driver, Liam Lawson.

Liam explains how drivers change approach between an all-out qualifying lap and a long race stint. He tells us about understeer and oversteer, and why drivers hit some trackside kerbs but avoid others.

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