Liam Lawson’s meteoric rise through the Red Bull ranks has come with its share of on-track drama, notably high-profile clashes with Formula 1 veterans Fernando Alonso and Sergio Perez during the final rounds of the 2024 season. As the 21-year-old prepares for his toughest challenge yet—teaming up with Max Verstappen at Red Bull—Lawson reflected on those fiery encounters that marked his late-season call-up.
Lawson’s battles with the greats
Replacing Daniel Ricciardo at Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri) for the last six races of 2024, Lawson wasted no time making his presence felt. At the United States Grand Prix, he locked horns with Alonso in a heated duel, prompting the two-time world champion to criticize the Kiwi’s aggressive driving. The tension spilled over after the Sprint race, with Lawson and Alonso seen exchanging words in the paddock.
In Mexico, things escalated further when Lawson and Perez collided on track. The New Zealander famously flipped his middle finger at Perez during the race, sparking a war of words. Perez, unimpressed by Lawson’s conduct, remarked that the rookie needed to be “more humble.”
Lawson’s response: “I race everyone the same way”
When asked if these battles were intentional displays to prove his worth to Red Bull, Lawson denied that he was trying to make a statement.
“No, it’s not like… I’m not trying to set an example or anything like that,” Lawson explained. “I feel like I’m racing everybody the same way. I’m not racing anybody any differently.”
While admitting the importance of maximizing his limited opportunities, Lawson rejected the notion that his aggressive driving was about proving a point.
“I have a very short window here at the moment, so it’s very important [to prove myself], but I’m not trying to set an example or prove a point, no.”
The road to Red Bull
Lawson’s promotion to Red Bull for 2025 caps a remarkable journey that began in 2019 with the Red Bull Junior Team. After stints in Formula 3, Formula 2, and a breakout season in Japan’s Super Formula series, where he finished second in the standings, Lawson has consistently demonstrated his racing prowess.
In his limited F1 outings, Lawson has already made an impression. He debuted in 2023, replacing an injured Ricciardo for five races with AlphaTauri, scoring points in Singapore. Returning to the grid in 2024, Lawson added four more points to his tally, proving his readiness for the step up.
The ultimate challenge: Verstappen’s teammate
Now, with just 11 Grand Prix starts to his name, Lawson faces the toughest task in F1—partnering Max Verstappen. The reigning four-time champion has dominated the sport in recent years, making Lawson’s role a daunting yet invaluable opportunity.
Clashes as a test of resolve
Lawson’s clashes with Alonso and Perez may have ruffled feathers, but they also underscore his willingness to stand his ground against the sport’s most experienced drivers. As Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has emphasized, resilience and a fighting spirit are critical qualities for anyone racing under the Red Bull banner.
Whether Lawson can translate his potential into consistent results alongside Verstappen remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: he won’t shy away from a challenge.
