Lawson Has No Regrets about Fight with Pérez: ‘I’m Not Here to Make Friends’

Liam Lawson has participated in .comy two Grand Prix races this season, but he has already found himself in conflicts with fellow drivers on two occasions. During the race in Austin, it was Fernando Alonso who confronted him regarding his driving style, and in Mexico City, he clashed with Sergio Pérez. Lawson has since apologized for the incident with Checo but has made it clear that his primary aim in Formula 1 is not to build friendships.

Rivalries on Track

“Making enemies or causing trouble isn’t my intention,” Liam Lawson told Sky Sports prior to the São Paulo Grand Prix. “However, I’m not here to make friends; my goal is to win, and that is where my focus lies.” The young New Zealander immediately scored two points for Visa RB during his return in Austin, contributing to the team’s quest for sixth place in the constructor’s championship.

Behind-the-Scenes Battles

“We are fiercely competing for P6 in the constructors’ standings, and personally, I am also fighting for my future in Formula 1,” he elaborated. Currently, Lawson does not have a contract for the upcoming season—even though a renewal with Visa RB seems likely. There are also whispers of a possible driver change at Red Bull. Both he and teammate Yuki Tsunoda are competing for the coveted seat currently held by Sergio Pérez, who is expected to be replaced before the beginning of the new season.

Controversy on the Circuit

Last week, Lawson made headlines with his aggressive defensive driving against Pérez. This approach led to contact between the two cars, resulting in both drivers failing to finish in the top ten. The 22-year-old driver revealed that he later apologized for his unsportsm.comike conduct, as he directed an obscene gesture at Checo. Despite this, he shows no remorse for his defensive tactics during the race in Mexico City.

Looking Ahead to São Paulo

“We had a brief chat after the race,” Lawson recounted. “Ultimately, it was just a battle on the track. Of course, I apologized for my behavior after the incident, but we can regard it as a racing incident.” With the upcoming São Paulo GP on the horizon, the Visa RB driver is presented with another opportunity to prove himself to the Red Bull team management.

Liam Lawson’s dynamic presence on the circuit showcases the fierce competition that defines Formula 1. As he stands at the crossroads of his career, the focus remains not just on winning races but also on securing his place in the highly coveted world of F1 racing. With electrifying rivalries, strategic battles, and controversy, Lawson’s journey promises to be anything but dull as he aims to carve out his legacy in the sport.