Liam Lawson and Fernando Alonso clashed in Texas (Image: Getty)
has explained that he ‘never intended’ to aggravate two-time world champion after the pair clashed during the in 2024.
’s young starlet returned to the F1 grid at the Circuit of the Americas last year to much fanfare, cutting through the field to score points despite inheriting a grid penalty that was confirmed before his call-up was announced.
However, Lawson made an enemy out of the sport’s most experienced driver, making an aggressive move on Alonso during the opening lap of the sprint race. Frustrated by his rival’s heavy-handed attack, the Spaniard fumed: “Man, this AlphaTauri is such an idiot,” on the radio.
Alonso then bit back during qualifying, making an audacious move to gain track position on Lawson coming out of the pit lane. The decision was risky, but it cost Lawson dearly as he prepared for his flying lap.
“He said he would screw me, and I guess he kept his word,” Lawson explained after qualifying. “He was really upset. I’m not sure why. We were racing for P16, and I don’t know why he was so upset. It is what it is. Hopefully, he can get over it, and we’ll move forward.”
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Liam Lawson has made a couple of enemies already (Image: Getty)
Explaining the clash at the opening round of the Formula Regional Oceania Championship, Lawson explained: “I think I went in there obviously in a unique position. I had six races that I knew I was going to get, and that was my stint to prove that I was worthy of an F1 seat, whether that was in or . That was all I had the opportunity for.
“These guys have raced – especially Fernando, he’s raced a long time – so I went in there and made the most of every single lap that I drove in the car. I didn’t intend on p***ing him off, but obviously, I just raced him how I race people, and it did that. So, yeah, I just tried to make the most of it.”
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Alonso wasn’t the only driver who was frustrated by Lawson’s aggression during his six-race stint at the end of the 2024 campaign. Outgoing driver was left furious with the New Zealander after the pair came together during the Mexican Grand Prix.
“I think the way he has come to Formula One, I don’t think he has the right attitude for it,” Perez fumed. “He needs to be a bit more humble.” He then added: “Lawson has had too many incidents. There will be a point where it can cost him too much. I just think that he has to have the right attitude to say, look, probably I’m overdoing it a little bit.”