Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson claimed the 25-lap limit at the Qatar Grand Prix led to a "pretty pointless" race after a safety car on lap 7 left all but two drivers on the same strategy, and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton argued that it was one of the "worst" grands prix strategically.
The safety car was deployed at the Losail International Circuit on lap 7 due to a collision between Alpine's Pierre Gasly and Sauber's Nico Hulkenberg. The drivers who pitted under the safety car on lap 7 were required to make their second pitstop on lap 32 and had no flexibility in strategy from that point forward.
While reflecting on the race in which he finished ninth, Lawson explained he had good pace but was not able to capitalise on it.
"Honestly, we had a good race. In terms of race pace, we're just stuck in traffic like everybody. I think it's very difficult to overtake. Obviously, a result of our qualifying yesterday," he told the media.
"There's nothing you can do. We boxed on lap 7, and I realised everyone was just going to do the exact same strategy from there. It's a pretty pointless race, to be honest."
Hamilton, who finished 12th, argued that it was one of the worst races for flexibility with strategy.
"I can't remember another, I'm sure there's been other races, other bad races here, but definitely one of the worst grands prix in that respect," the Ferrari driver explained. "Because everyone's just stopping at the same time, and there's no flexibility.
"And then on top of that, you can't overtake, and it's a fast track, it's a phenomenal track to drive, and it's very, very fast, it's just, unfortunately, like Monaco."
The focus now turns to the season finale in Abu Dhabi this coming weekend when the drivers' title will be decided.
Photos from Qatar GP - Race
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Qatar GP - Sunday, in photos
Qatar GP - Sunday, in photos
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