Liam Lawson shrugs off Arvid Lindblad F1 'advantage': 'Not an excuse'

Liam Lawson has addressed a potential advantage Arvid Lindblad holds over him, but insisted it is “not an excuse” for the year ahead.

Lindblad joins the grid as the field's only rookie this year, partnering Lawson at the Racing Bulls team.

His arrival comes at the start of a new regulation cycle with major changes made to both the aerodynamic and power unit specifications.

It has forced more experienced drivers to adapt to the new formula while Lindblad, who has limited testing mileage, is not having to do as much unlearning.

When asked by RacingNews365 if this gives Linbdlad an advantage, Lawson replied: “Maybe, yes - but at the end of day, we're meant to be the best in the world and professionals.

“We should be able to drive and adapt to anything. I've also been lucky to drive a lot of different cars. 

“I also try and drive a lot of different cars all the time for that very reason, to try and be adaptable. 

“That wouldn't be an excuse I would be wanting to find.”

Lawson will be leaned on more at Racing Bulls this year to steer the development of the car, given his experience in comparison to Lindblad.

“It's strange, because I think I've always felt quite young coming into F1,” Lawson said of his more senior status.

“It doesn't change too much. I don't feel too different at the end of the day. It's my second full season. 

“So I'm definitely aware that there's a lot more for me to learn, but you learn very quickly in the sport.

“We do a lot of races in a year, so I learned a lot last year. I feel in a good place, and just want to keep progressing.”