MIAMI—In what experts are calling “technically his strongest finish all year,” Liam Lawson managed to completely finish Fernando Alonso’s car—and his race—by crashing into it during Saturday’s sprint race at the Miami Grand Prix.

The incident unfolded on lap 15, as Lawson attempted a clearly incorrect move on the outside of Turn 11. The maneuver resulted in contact with Alonso's Aston Martin, sending the two-time world champion into the barriers and out of the race. The collision not only ended Alonso's run but also triggered a safety car period that significantly influenced the race's outcome.

“I was just trying to keep my seat,” Lawson explained, eyes darting nervously toward the Sky Sports cameras. “Then I realized I had the perfect opportunity—so I took it. It just happened to be at Alonso’s expense. Still counts, right? I made the right decision.”

Alonso, known for his longevity and laser focus, was less enthusiastic about Lawson’s milestone. “I’ve been on the grid longer than Lawson’s been alive,” he said. “You’d think he would know not to lunge like that into a two-time world champion. But congratulations to him, I suppose—for finally having a decent finish. I won’t have to deal with him next year, anyway.”

Race stewards ruled it a racing incident, but the damage was done—mostly to Alonso’s car, ego, and points. Meanwhile, the internet wasted no time immortalizing the moment, with memes circulating captioned: “Lawson’s finally back!”

RB’s interim driver has had a quiet season. Despite having a seat, he mostly behaves like a backup—quietly rehearsing press conference nods and forced confidence. Saturday’s sprint, however, gave him a moment in the spotlight.

“He finished Alonso’s race. You gotta admire the consistency,” said Sky commentator Jenson Button. “I mean, most rookies wait to win to be assholes. Lawson just said, ‘Nah.’ Bold strategy.”

While fans debated the severity of the contact, Lawson was spotted in the paddock later that afternoon scribbling “Alonso can’t hurt you” into his driver development checklist.

“I guess I’m just good like that,” he admitted with faux confidence. “It’s not every day you get to finish seventh and ahead of world champion Fernando Alonso. That’s a memory I’ll never forget.”

With Alonso left stewing and Lawson now trending for being a douche again, one thing is clear: the 22-year-old might not be impressive just yet, but he’s certainly leaving a mark—quite literally.

Next up: the main race, where drivers are hoping to stay clear of Lawson.