Liam Lawson has made it clear that he’s not at F1 to “make friends,” especially after recent confrontations with Sergio Perez and Fernando Alonso.
In the Austin sprint race, Alonso criticized Lawson’s intense defensive moves over team radio, and the two shared a candid discussion in parc fermé after the race.
Similar tensions flared in Mexico City after Lawson had a close battle with Perez, which led to some on-track contact and Lawson giving Perez a less-than-friendly hand gesture later in the race.
Ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Lawson addressed his recent rivalries, saying,
“Obviously, my goal is not to make enemies, and I’m not trying to stir up issues. But I’m not here to make friends either; I’m here to win, and that’s my focus.”
He noted the intense competition for sixth in the Constructors’ standings and added, “I’m also fighting for my future in F1, and that’s what’s driving me.”
Recalling the incident with Perez, Lawson admitted he briefly spoke with the Mexican driver afterward and apologized, but he stands by it as just part of the race.
“We talked briefly after the race, but both of us left the track pretty quickly. It was an intense battle, and while I did apologize, it was just an in-the-moment racing incident.”
With four races left, Lawson is determined to secure his place in the sport and is reportedly a strong contender to potentially replace Perez at Red Bull in 2025.