Liam Lawson says he is “not here to make friends in Formula 1” after getting into trouble during the weekend’s races since returning to the grid.
After replacing Daniel Ricciardo at RB for the final six rounds of the 2024 season, Lawson clashed with two-time world champion Fernando Alonso at the United States Grand Prix before clashing with Red Bull’s Sergio Perez at the Mexico City Grand Prix. .
The latter of the two incidents was particularly notable given that there had been much speculation that Lawson was set to replace Perez at Red Bull next season, despite the 22-year-old New Zealander still not being confirmed anywhere for 2025.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Lawson said Sky Sports F1“Obviously, my goal is not to go out and antagonize anybody, I’m not trying to cause any problems or anything like that.
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Sergio Perez clashed with Visa Cash App RB boss Liam Lawson at the Mexico City GP.
“But at the same time I’m not here to make friends, I’m here to win and that’s what I’m focused on.
“And in this situation, we’re fighting very hard for P6 in Constructors and I’m obviously fighting for my future in Formula 1 as well, so I’m focused on that.”
The conflict between Lawson and Alonso began with a battle in the Austin sprint, with the confrontation carried over to qualifying on the same day. Lawson later said that Alonso threatened to “choke” him.
Then at Perez’s home race in Mexico City, Lawson collided with the Red Bull on lap 19 and then made an obscene gesture during the race by passing him.
Asked if he felt there was any personal animosity on behalf of either Alonso or Perez, Lawson added: “I have no idea. I don’t think there is anything behind it.
Liam Lawson collided with Fernando Alonso at the US Grand Prix
“Obviously things are very heated at the moment and obviously I apologized for what I did last week.
“It wasn’t something I should have done and something I won’t do again. I have no idea about their mindset or their goals, I’m only focused on myself.”
Lawson reveals Perez’s conversation in Mexico
Lawson revealed that he spoke to Perez after the race in Mexico and apologized for the gesture he made during the overtake, but did not feel that he was solely responsible for the collision.
“Yes, we spoke briefly after the race, but at the same time we left the track very early, right after anyway,” Lawson said.
“It was a fight on the track and I obviously apologized for what I did after the incident. But as far as the fight we had on the track, I guess (it’s) seen as a racing incident and something – a battle of the moment.”
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Sergio Perez has reacted to his clash with Liam Lawson and responded to reports that this could be his last Mexico City GP.
Although Red Bull Racing and RB are officially separate teams, the fact that they share the same ownership and that the junior team is used as a testing ground for driver prospects for the senior team means that clashes between drivers are rare, and the team rejects them. leaders.
Lawson said: “Obviously the goal is not to obviously crash into any car, but specifically a Red Bull car.
“And obviously it wasn’t my target at the moment, I was trying to avoid it.
“So looking back, maybe there are things I could have done differently. I could have cut the chicane and avoided it completely, but at the moment I’m also racing and you have a second to make a decision.
“It’s something I’ve spoken to the team about afterwards and reflected on and I’ll learn from going into this weekend.”
Sky Sports F1 live Sao Paulo GP schedule
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Take a look back at the most dramatic moments from the São Paulo Grand Prix
Friday November 1
14:00 Sao Paulo GP Practice One (session starts at 14:30)
4:30 p.m. Press conference of team directors
18:00. Sao Paulo GP Sprint Qualifying (qualifying start: 18:30*)
2nd week of November
13:00. Sao Paulo GP Sprint Rally
14:00 Sao Paulo GP Sprint
15.30: Ted’s sprint notebook
At 17:00. Sao Paulo qualifying meeting
18:00. Sao Paulo GP Qualifying
20:00. Ted’s qualifying notebook
Sunday, November 3
15:30. Grand Prix Sunday. Sao Paulo GP meeting
17:00 SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX
19:00. Checkered flag. Sao Paulo GP reaction
20:00 Teddy’s notebook
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 America’s triple whammy will conclude this weekend with the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, with every session live on Sky Sports F1. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month membership. no contract, cancel anytime
