Sergio Perez has downplayed suggestions that his clash with Liam Lawson during the Mexico City Grand Prix was fueled by Lawson’s aspirations for a potential Red Bull promotion. The incident occurred on Lap 10, as Perez attempted an overtake on Lawson at Turn 4. While Perez appeared to have made the move successfully, Lawson held his line, resulting in contact that left Perez’s car damaged and trailing.
After the race, Perez voiced frustration with Lawson’s approach, calling it an example of the New Zealander’s “wrong attitude” for Formula 1. The altercation ultimately ended Perez’s hopes of a strong recovery after a Q1 exit, leaving him as the last classified finisher.
However, with time to reflect, Perez now says the crash wasn’t necessary given the opportunities both drivers had at that stage of the race. “There was no need to come together,” Perez explained. “We were on an alternative strategy with great potential, so losing points that way was frustrating.”
Perez has since discussed the incident with Red Bull’s leadership, with all parties in agreement on the need to prevent a repeat. “We were aligned on it,” Perez said. “We had the potential to secure important points, as you can see from where [Oscar] Piastri finished, but it was lost due to the clash.”
With Lawson being considered a potential replacement for Perez amid an inconsistent season, some speculated that the on-track aggression was spurred by Lawson’s desire to impress. But Perez dismissed this, citing Lawson’s similar run-in with Fernando Alonso in the United States as proof that the rookie’s aggression isn’t limited to Red Bull rivals.
“I don’t believe it was about Red Bull,” Perez clarified. “The number of incidents he’s had shows it’s not just against us. I don’t think he was more aggressive because of what’s at stake.”
Lawson’s debut season with Red Bull’s junior team has turned heads, but Perez is clear that his focus is on securing points and maintaining Red Bull’s advantage, urging all drivers to prioritize clean racing in the future.
