Liam Lawson: I was hindered by a gust of wind.

      Liam Lawson represented Racing Bulls alone in qualifying for the United States Grand Prix, as his teammate Isack Hadjar crashed the car at the very start of the session. The New Zealander had been aiming to make the final, but set the twelfth-fastest time.

      Isack Hadjar crashed at Turn 6 on his first flying lap. The French driver apologized to the team, and the stewards allowed him to start Sunday’s race.

      Liam Lawson (12th): “We have a very fast car, but unfortunately at the start of the flying lap I was affected by a gust of wind, so there was nothing left to do but try to make up the loss over the rest of the lap. Different unpleasant things happen during qualifying, but today they cost us dearly.

      We have a good car, so the team will keep working hard to score points in the race.”

      Isack Hadjar (no time): “I apologize to the team for not bringing the car back in one piece. I had too much speed on corner entry, and it was a surprise to me when it suddenly lost grip. At that moment I knew there was nothing I could do. I know I should have acted differently before turning into the corner, but it’s the little things.

      The car is quick, but starting from the back row isn’t an ideal option. I’ve had good races after starting from the back in the past, but this time it will be a fight. I hope there will be opportunities to overtake, and that luck will be on my side as well.”