Formula 1 rookie Liam Lawson has found himself in hot water following a fiery exchange with Sergio Perez during the Mexico City Grand Prix. In the heat of battle, the New Zealander made an obscene gesture toward the Mexican driver after a wheel-to-wheel scrap—a moment of frustration that has drawn criticism from Perez, Red Bull management, and even Lawson’s own father.
“Not Impressed”: A Lesson from Dad
Lawson, who is vying for a coveted Red Bull seat alongside Max Verstappen in 2025, admitted that his father gave him a stern reprimand for his unsportsmanlike behavior.
“[My parents] weren’t impressed,” Lawson revealed. “My dad has played a massive role in keeping me grounded as both a man and a driver. He wasn’t happy with what I did, and I completely understand why.”
The 21-year-old added that he regrets the gesture and sees it as a learning experience.
“It’s not something I should have done, and I’ll learn from it,” he said. “My dad told me off, as he’s done many times over the years.”
Perez Fires Back
Sergio Perez, embroiled in his own battle to retain his Red Bull seat, didn’t mince words after the incident. The Mexican veteran criticized Lawson for his lack of maturity, claiming the gesture was indicative of someone who doesn’t have the right “attitude” for F1.
“You can’t behave like that in this sport,” Perez remarked. “If you want to race at the highest level, you need to show respect, even when things get heated.”
The clash added fuel to the speculation surrounding Red Bull’s 2025 lineup, with both Perez and Lawson seemingly locked in a battle for the second seat alongside Verstappen.
Red Bull Management Weighs In
Red Bull Advisor Helmut Marko and Team Principal Christian Horner both weighed in on the controversy, highlighting the importance of professionalism. However, Horner also acknowledged Lawson’s potential and didn’t rule out the possibility of the young driver bringing a much-needed edge to the team.
“Lawson’s aggression could be what we’re missing alongside Max,” Horner admitted. “But there’s a fine line between being feisty and crossing the line, and it’s something he’ll need to balance.”
From Mexico to Redemption
Despite the drama in Mexico, Lawson quickly bounced back with an impressive performance in the wet conditions of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, scoring crucial points and proving his resilience. It was a timely reminder of the young driver’s talent as he continues to make his case for a permanent Red Bull seat.
When asked whether his fiery approach could be the key to securing the role, Lawson remained focused on letting his performance do the talking.
“Honestly, I don’t know—I’m not the person deciding that stuff,” he said. “All I can do is drive my best and learn from every experience.”
A Tough Road Ahead
With just a few races left to impress, Lawson finds himself walking a tightrope. His raw talent and aggressive style have turned heads, but moments like the clash with Perez underline the need for maturity at the highest level of motorsport. As the Red Bull hierarchy deliberates its 2025 lineup, Lawson must prove that he has the skill, consistency, and temperament to thrive under the pressure of Formula 1’s most dominant team.
The stakes are high, but Lawson’s determination to learn and grow suggests he won’t go down without a fight. The question now is whether Red Bull will roll the dice on the rookie or stick with the experience of Perez. Whatever the outcome, Liam Lawson’s F1 journey is just getting started—and it’s already one to watch.