Liam Lawson has had multiple battles with Red Bull driver Sergio Perez since he rejoined the Formula 1 grid in October. Given the performance disparity between the two cars, that reflects poorly on the Mexican.
Lawson replaced Daniel Ricciardo, who had hoped to unseat Perez, at the United States GP. A week later, he made contact with the Red Bull in Mexico City.
He refused to yield as Perez, who was attempting a comeback drive after a Q1 exit, tried to pass him at the turn four and five chicane. That led to sidepod damage for the 34-year-old, though neither driver received a penalty.
Perez called Lawson an ‘idiot’ over the radio, then the youngster showed him a middle finger when passing later in the race. He was forced to apologise behind the scenes.
As is so often the way in Formula 1, they found themselves sharing the same piece of tarmac at the next race in Brazil. They scrapped in both the Sprint and the main Grand Prix.
Lawson was harshly critical of Perez over the radio in Sao Paulo. He is, of course, eyeing the spot next to Max Verstappen for 2025, so these felt like pointed messages.
Anthony Davidson senses tension between Liam Lawson and Sergio Perez at Qatar Grand Prix
During the opening practice session at the Qatar Grand Prix on Friday, replays showed Lawson slowing down to let Perez pass. He was clearly unhappy with his driving.
After hearing his complaints on the radio, RB engineer Pierre Hamelin offered a blunt response. He was perhaps wary of angering the senior team.
“Perez, honestly,” Lawson said.
Hamelin replied: “Ok, focus on yourself. Copy that.”
Sky Sports F1 pundit Anthony Davidson feels there’s still bad blood between the two drivers. And he traces that back to the incident in Mexico.
“No love lost between those two since the Mexican Grand Prix!”
Has Sergio Perez hinted that he partly wants to leave Formula 1?
Perez is fighting for his place as the season finale in Abu Dhabi approaches. Red Bull will hold a meeting after the race at Yas Marina to make a decision.
It’s unclear how exactly they would remove him if they settle on a change. He signed a new contract back in June.
Perez is adamant he deserved that deal, even if it came in the early stages of a slump that has lasted more than six months. He pointed out that the team have access to data that is not available to a critical public.
Ted Kravitz wonders if Perez wants to continue at Red Bull after expressing a wish to spend more desire with his family. Perhaps that will lead him towards retirement, a measure that would allow him to save face.
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