‘Be a little more humble’: Sergio Perez questions Liam Lawson’s stance

Latest update:October 28, 2024 10:36 AM EST

Liam Lawson received praise from Red Bull boss Christian Horner last week as he moved up from 19th to ninth.

Liam Lawson is seen as the frontrunner to replace Sergio Perez. (AP Photo)

Struggling Sergio Perez has targeted Liam Lawson, widely seen as a potential rival for his Red Bull Formula One seat, after the pair clashed at the Mexican’s home race on Sunday.

Perez, who had been hoping to return home after a season he described as “horrible”, showed his disappointment after he got into an on-track fight with RB Lawson and damaged his car.

The Mexican climbed to 13th place from his 18th position on the grid before being handed a five-second penalty for false starting and falling back.

Perez was critical of Lawson’s attitude as the New Zealander had similar incidents with Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso at last week’s US Grand Prix and Williams’ Franco Colapinto later in the Mexican race.

“I had a great start, despite the penalty for incorrect positioning, we had everything to go forward, unfortunately there was an incident with Lawson and that really hurt us,” Perez told reporters.

“He was off the track and just driving straight as if there was no car, I think he could have avoided the incident. Luckily, I saw him and opened the room. Otherwise it would have been a massive collapse.

“There was no need. We have damaged both of our races. He did the same to Fernando, to Franco, in the end, and there was no penalty, so it’s not his fault either.

“I think given the way he came into Formula 1, I don’t think he has the right attitude about it. He needs to be a little more humble.”

Lawson, 22, replaced retired Australian Daniel Ricciardo for the rest of the season at Red Bull’s sister team RB, and last week received praise from Red Bull boss Christian Horner as he moved up from 19th to ninth.

Perez’s poor performances at Red Bull have left open the possibility of three-time champion Max Verstappen getting a new teammate next season, with Lawson seen as a leading contender.

Perez acknowledged that Lawson was hungry, passionate and very talented, but also criticized the youngster.

“Lawson has had too many incidents… There will come a point where it could cost him too much,” he said. “I just think he has to have the right attitude to say, ‘Look, maybe I overdid it a little bit.’

(This article has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news feed – Reuters)

Location :

Mexico City, Mexico