Liam Lawson voices relief to avoid 'extreme' F1 challenge

Liam Lawson does not expect the Qatar Grand Prix to be as “extreme” a challenge compared to 2023, despite a repeat of the implementation of maximum tyre stints.

Pirelli communicated last week that all tyre compounds for the upcoming race weekend in Qatar will be restricted to a maximum of 25 laps.

It's a similar rule to what occurred two years ago, however Pirelli has outlined that he reasons behind the decision this year are different.

With drivers now likely to push harder due to the mandated stint length, it will increase the strain behind the cockpit - something that left many drivers very unwell after the 2023 race in extremely hot conditions.

But with the temperatures expected to be lower this time around, Lawson is not expecting the situation to be as dramatic. 

“It’s something that's obviously the same for everybody,” Lawson told media including RacingNews365.

“We’ll all have to deal with the same sort of thing. We had something similar a couple of years ago, and it ended up making the race very, very tough for the drivers.

“Obviously, it's not so extreme this time and it's at a better time of the year anyway.”

Lawson enters the weekend still waiting for clarification over his F1 future as he is currently without a seat for the 2026 season.

With a late decision looming, Lawson asserted the best case he can make for himself is simply to perform.

“There's always more communication, there's always more things, but it's all very much the same - perform and you stay.”