"Exceptional Reflexes": Lawson Praises Colapinto's Brilliant Evasion During Australian GP Opening Lap Drama
Franco Colapinto executed a skillful maneuver to avoid a potential collision with Liam Lawson during the opening moments of the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, with the Racing Bull driver stranded after a poor getaway. Lawson later commended the Alpine driver's quick thinking and precision in steering clear of what could have been a significant incident.
Racing Bull's Liam Lawson found himself in a precarious position when the 2026 Australian Grand Prix got underway, as his vehicle struggled to gain traction off the line during the season's curtain-raiser at Albert Park. The mishap left Lawson vulnerable to incoming traffic, with Alpine's Franco Colapinto bearing down on him from behind just moments after the lights went out.
In a display of sharp reactions, Colapinto managed to execute an impressive evasive maneuver, deftly steering his car away from Lawson's stricken Racing Bull and narrowly avoiding what could have developed into a costly opening-lap collision. The New Zealander, anticipating the worst as Colapinto's vehicle approached at speed, braced himself for impact.
Yet the Argentine driver's decisive action proved decisive. Speaking after the race, Lawson offered high praise for Colapinto's composure and racecraft, describing the avoidance as "very impressive" and highlighting the quick reflexes required to execute such a maneuver cleanly during the hectic opening moments of a grand prix start.
Original source
Motorsport.com
Related Regulations
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Full Regulation Text
Article 48.1
Race Start Procedure
Chapter: Chapter IV - The Race
In Simple Terms
The race start follows a strict countdown. At the one-minute signal, all engines must start and team staff must leave. If a car has problems after the 15-second signal, the driver raises their arm and the car gets pushed to the pit lane while others proceed. This ensures safety and fairness in race starts.
- Engines must start at one-minute signal
- Team personnel leave grid by 15-second signal
- Drivers with problems raise arm for assistance
- Stricken cars pushed to pit lane
Official FIA Text
When the one minute signal is shown, engines should be started and all team personnel must leave the grid by the time the 15 second signal is shown. If any driver needs assistance after the 15 second signal he must raise his arm and, when the remainder of the cars able to do so have left the grid, marshals will be instructed to push the car into the pit lane.
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