During the opening practice session, Valtteri Bottas set a promising pace by qualifying ahead of Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, prompting team principal Lowdon to reflect on the team’s position heading into the weekend.
Lowdon acknowledged a broader sense of uncertainty within the team, stating, “I think there’s a general lack of confidence in everyone. It’s FP1 and nobody knows really where they’re at. We know we’ve got a huge amount of work, but also, I’ve been super lucky on this project.”
He expressed his appreciation for the hard work and dedication demonstrated by the team members both at the track and in their home locations. “I’ve had a front-row seat to see just what’s being achieved by everybody, not just in Indianapolis but in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Silverstone. It’s hard. This is the greatest team sport in the world but it’s the most difficult team sport in the world,” Lowdon emphasized.
The competitive landscape of motorsport, he noted, remains incredibly challenging, which requires a realistic approach to building the team. “We have a very, very grounded appreciation of just what it takes to try and build a team, and this is the first step in a long way,” he explained.
Lowdon also took a moment to extend gratitude not only to his team but to their families and supporters who play a crucial role behind the scenes. “That’s the rock that we build the team on, and there’s no way we could do this without all of that support. I just want to take this opportunity to thank all those people, and hopefully a lot of them are at home watching.”
This sense of community and teamwork underscores the spirit of motorsport, highlighting the dedication required from both team members and their loved ones to face the rigorous demands of the sport.