Liam Lawson apologizes for showing middle finger to Sergio Perez amid Mexico intense battle. Mexico City GP: Liam Lawson apologized to Sergio Perez for showing him the middle finger.

Liam Lawson apologized to Sergio Perez for showing him the middle finger during their intense battle in the Mexican Grand Prix.

The New Zealander clashed with his rival at Turn 4 on lap 19 when, after being pushed to the outside as the Red Bull driver attempted an overtake, he held his ground through the change of direction, leading to contact between the two cars at the next corner.

Sergio Perez’s car suffered damage to the floor edge and sidepods, which, according to Red Bull, cost him 65 points of downforce. The Mexican managed to stay on track for the rest of the lap but eventually had to yield the position. Frustrated by the situation, Liam Lawson showed Sergio Perez the middle finger during the overtake, a moment that was also captured on television.

Later, reflecting on his reaction, Liam Lawson explained that the gesture came from frustration, but he also admitted he should have avoided that kind of behavior.

“Obviously, it’s one of those things that happen in the heat of the moment,” he explained. “He spent half the lap blocking me, trying to ruin my race, so I was angry. But that’s no excuse. I shouldn’t have done it, and I apologize for that.”

Liam Lawson’s actions, both in being aggressive with Sergio Perez and showing him the middle finger, did not impress Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, Helmut Marko.

The Red Bull advisor told ORF: “It was unnecessary contact, for which I see Lawson as more at fault.” When asked if it was good that Lawson showed some grit, he added: “If it had been with someone else, yes. But not with the ‘sister’ team.” – he pointed out at the end of the Mexico City Grand Prix.

Liam Lawson himself admitted that things with Perez probably didn’t go as smoothly as they should have. “I don’t think Helmut liked it, but it’s not in my character, and it’s not something one should do.”

Sergio Perez blamed Liam Lawson for their contact, suggesting that the Racing Bulls driver could have easily avoided it. However, Liam sees it differently, as he believes the Mexican left him no other choice: “I gave him space at Turn 4, and he came in very late. I tried to give him room, but he forced me off track and then didn’t leave space at Turn 5. It’s unfortunate for the tension that arose, but I don’t know where he expected me to go.”