“I don’t know where he wanted me to go”: Liam Lawson snaps back at Sergio Perez post-Mexico GP mishap
Liam Lawson believes Sergio Perez left him no room during their clash at the 2024 Mexican GP. Speaking to media, including Sportskeeda, after the race, the VCARB driver expressed frustration over the chaotic incident.
The clash occurred on Lap 17 as Perez attempted to overtake Lawson in a tenth-place battle. Both drivers went wheel-to-wheel for several corners, but the intense duel resulted in contact, causing significant side-pod damage to Perez’s Red Bull. The Mexican driver’s race was heavily compromised, and he ultimately finished 17th.
Meanwhile, Lawson climbed up to 12th before a late-race collision with Franco Colapinto, who was running 11th. The incident caused Lawson to spin and damage his front wing, forcing him into the pits for a tire change. He finished 16th, just ahead of Perez.
Rumors have circulated that Liam Lawson could eventually replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull, but the Mexican driver has criticized Lawson’s on-track behavior, claiming the Kiwi lacks the right attitude for Formula 1. Since his return to the grid in Austin, Lawson, driving for VCARB, has been involved in clashes with Fernando Alonso, Perez, and Franco Colapinto.
In response, Lawson accused Perez of forcing him off the track during their battle, arguing he wasn’t given enough room for a fair fight. Although Lawson felt his car had a good pace, he struggled to make progress due to being stuck in traffic.
Asked to describe his chaotic Mexican GP, Lawson said:
“Yeah tough obviously with the speed we had today. It’s frustrating to not score points you know that was that was a goal obviously going in. And we had a fast race car, just spent the whole race in the traffic. I think the incident with with Checo, I left him space into four, he was coming in very, very late, and honestly, I tried to give him space. He drove me off the track and then he didn't give me space into turn five. So it's unfortunate, it wasn't my intention, but I don't know where he wants me to go.”
Liam Lawson regretted his gesture to Sergio Perez and the incident with Franco Colapinto in the Mexican GP
Liam Lawson expressed regret for his middle finger gesture toward Sergio Perez on the penultimate lap of the Mexican GP, acknowledging that it’s not behavior Helmut Marko would approve of.
Perez, in turn, called Lawson an “idiot” on the radio and had harsh words after the race, blaming the New Zealander for costing Red Bull a solid points finish. Lawson also clashed with Franco Colapinto later in the race and took responsibility for that incident.
When questioned about his finger gesture directed at Perez on the closing lap of the race, Lawson said:
“He's been half the lap blocking me trying to ruin my race, so I was upset. But it's not an excuse I shouldn't have done it and I apologize for that.”
When Reminded that it is not the demeanor Marko would like, he added:
“I don't think that's what Helmut likes. It's not my character, not something I should have done.”
Asked about his incident with Colapinto, Lawson said:
“I mean yeah I tried to leave the space in one and then I go in place, in two but he obviously carried a lot of speed in and at that point. When I saw the speed he was carrying I tried to brake and get out of it but I ran out of space and it was just a clumsy incident. I don't really put it on him it's not space and it was just a clumsy incident. I don't really put it on him.”
Liam Lawson scored points at the US Grand Prix in Austin, but his overall pace wasn’t competitive enough. Yuki Tsunoda had the upper hand in most sessions over both race weekends. So far, Lawson has contributed just two points to his new Faenza-based team.
However, VCARB is falling behind Haas in the Constructors’ Championship, having moved into sixth place. VCARB has amassed 36 points, while Haas has a tally of 46. Lawson’s clashes Sergio Perez and Colapinto in Mexico allowed the Haas drivers to secure another points finish.