Carlin Deputy Team Principal Stephanie Carlin was over the moon yesterday after a brilliant Sprint Race with Kiwi Liam Lawson taking an emphatic 4th win of the season while teammate Logan Sargeant finished 6th in a last lap scrap to keep his top 3 hopes alive.
Speaking about Lawson’s performance, Carlin stated: “He did an incredible job, he really made the most of his starting position. He was sensible at the start and he really managed the tyres and situation while everyone else’s tyres fell off – and to keep on pushing to build up a gap – a really strong, mature and intelligent race from him”.
Carlin also added: “The car was good, [and] I think even Liam was surprised at how well he was able to manage the tyres. The car kept getting stronger and in the end he was on the radio saying that the car was ‘on rails and it was really great’. We’ve had a quick car all year and to deliver in the season finale is a testament to the team and Liam.”
When asked about Logan Sargeant’s mindset in regards to the hugely important Feature Race as well as the possibility of finishing 3rd in the Drivers’ standings;
“Obviously with Logan, it’s quite an unprecedented situation, to publicly be in a high pressure environment like this. There is clearly quite a lot at stake [Williams F1 drive in 2023 and Super Licence points pending], what we’re doing internally and what Logan is doing a good job at is just treating it session by session.”
“Everybody is feeling the pressure, we’re all trying to do our best to do our jobs. It’s a good job and it’s a standard that’s got us to P3 in the [Drivers’ and Teams’] standings so far this season. So really, what we need to do is to carry on what we have been doing so far, he and the team have done exactly that.”, Carlin continued.
Carlin was also asked about the legacy of the team producing outstanding drivers in F1, Carlin was quoted: “I think training drivers has always been one of our strongpoints and when we look at the F1 grid, to see so many former Carlin alumni [notably the likes of Carlos Sainz Jr., George Russell, Lando Norris, Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo et al.] is a great feeling and it’s hopefully something we’re gonna continue to do.”
“We’re a lot about helping drivers achieve their potential and training them the best way that we can, to see them then go on to do their thing in F1 is just amazing.” said Carlin in closing.
A lot still on the line for both drivers and the team as 3rd in the Drivers’ standings is closely fought between both Carlin drivers while team are still in contention for the Team’s Championship.
The Feature Race will be at 13:00 local time.
Image: Formula Motorsport Limited