Sergio Perez issues piece of advice for incoming F1 rookies amid scathing Liam Lawson criticism

Sergio Perez believes Liam Lawson needs to reflect on his actions following their clash at the 2024 Mexican GP. Speaking to the media, including Sportskeeda, Perez remarked that while young drivers are often hungry and passionate, they must also have the right attitude.

On lap 17, Lawson collided with Perez, causing a significant hole in the sidepod of the RB20, which severely compromised its downforce and resulted in Perez finishing 17th. Lawson further escalated tensions by making a middle finger gesture toward Perez after overtaking him in the closing laps. The New Zealander’s race took another hit when he clashed with Franco Colapinto, costing him a potential points finish.

Lawson later apologized for his actions on the final lap but maintained that he had no space during the battle with Perez. The Red Bull driver, however, is displeased with Lawson’s behavior, and emphasized that the VCARB driver needs to reassess his attitude. Perez pointed out that the 23-year-old has already been involved in too many incidents, having clashed with Fernando Alonso in Austin and with both Colapinto and Perez in Mexico.

Perez shared his advice for young F1 rookies, emphasizing the importance of a good attitude.

“I think you see these youngsters obviously very hungry for it and they're really passionate and it's great to see, you know, they have a great talent. But I'm just talking about Lawson in this regard, that he's his first grand prix, he has had too many incidents. And I think there will be a point where it can cost him too much, like he did this weekend, you know. I just think that he has to have the right attitude to say, "Look, probably I'm overdoing it a little bit. I will step back and I start again’. You know and it's all the learning you have to do as a youngster because if you don't learn from your mistakes formula one is a brutal world and he might not continue,” he said

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Sergio Perez believes Red Bull need to speak to Liam Lawson

Sergio Perez believes that Red Bull's senior management, comprising Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, should have a conversation with Liam Lawson regarding his on-track behavior.

Perez felt that the VCARB driver had cost Red Bull Racing a significant number of points and expressed concerns that Lawson was out of control in terms of both, his racing and overall conduct on the track. Perez emphasized that such incidents could have long-term consequences for the team and Lawson’s future in Formula 1.

Asked if he felt Lawson was racing aggressively because he was in contention for the Red Bull seat, Perez said:

“Well, he really crashed with Fernando last weekend. He nearly crashed with Franco. I think he's just racing everyone out of control at the moment.”

Asked if he would speak to Marko or Horner about Lawson, Perez said:

“That's none of my business it's on to them, but today it cost Red Bull Racing a lot of points. So I think they should speak to him in that regard.”

Red Bull currently sits third in the constructors’ championship, while Sergio Perez ranks eighth in the drivers’ standings, having scored only 150 points across 20 races, marking one of his toughest seasons in Formula 1. Amid growing speculation about Perez’s future with the team, it’s understood that Liam Lawson remains the frontrunner to potentially take his seat.

While Christian Horner has not openly criticized Lawson’s on-track actions, Helmut Marko made it clear that drivers from Red Bull’s sister team cannot clash. Lawson had a chance at a points finish, but his multiple incidents on track ultimately cost him the opportunity to secure a top 10 result.