Liam Lawson makes 'trying to survive' claim before race-ending British GP shunt

Liam Lawson has stated he was “trying to survive” before being wiped out of contention on the opening lap of the British Grand Prix.

Lawson was running towards the rear of the pack in the opening turns in slippery conditions.

As he rounded Turn 5, Lawson collided with the Haas of Esteban Ocon, who was trying to avoid Yuki Tsunoda, who was on the apex of the corner.

It sent Lawson into a high-speed spin and broke the suspension of the Racing Bulls car, eliminating him from the race.

Lawson was left disappointed with the outcome as he purposely drove safely in the opening lap in an effort to avoid such a scenario.

“I had a good start,” Lawson reflected to media including RacingNews365. 

“We would have had a very fast car today in these conditions, it suits what we were running this weekend.

“I was really just trying to survive. I wasn't trying to do anything aggressive.”

Lawson opted to stay out at the end of the formation lap, while team-mate Isack Hadjar pitted for slick tyres on a rapidly drying track.

Lawson admitted he considered following suit before deciding to stick with the intermediate compound.

“We were talking about it, and I nearly made the same decision,” he said.

“The last sector was still very wet. Watching F2 and F3 today, it’s been taking quite a while for the track to dry, so I think we made the right call.”