Ex-F1 Driver Chastises Liam Lawson for “Stealing Points” in Intense Battles with Sergio Perez
Former Formula 1 driver Jean Alesi has caused a stir with a sharp critique of rookie Liam Lawson, accusing him of “stealing points” during his fierce on-track battles with Sergio Perez of Red Bull Racing. Alesi, who spent over a decade in F1, voiced his concerns after the Japanese Grand Prix, where Lawson, driving for AlphaTauri, was involved in several high-stakes duels with Perez in a dramatic race that saw the two drivers exchanging positions multiple times.
Lawson, who has stepped into the AlphaTauri seat as a substitute for the injured Daniel Ricciardo, has impressed many with his performances. However, in a rare moment of criticism, Alesi suggested that the young New Zealander may be playing a dangerous game by putting his car in positions that could jeopardize Perez’s chances of scoring critical points for Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship.
“I understand that Lawson is hungry for results and wants to show what he can do,” Alesi said in an interview with French motorsport media. “But sometimes, you have to understand your role on the grid. Right now, he is racing with a car that isn’t as competitive as the top teams, but he is still involved in some of these battles with the big guys. I respect his fighting spirit, but he has to be careful not to steal points from other drivers, especially those who are fighting for championships.”
The tension between Lawson and Perez reached a boiling point in the closing laps of the Japanese Grand Prix, where the pair engaged in a series of wheel-to-wheel battles. Lawson, whose AlphaTauri is significantly less powerful than the Red Bull, managed to hold off Perez on multiple occasions, despite Perez’s best efforts to reclaim the position. Though Lawson eventually finished behind the Mexican driver, his defense proved costly for Perez, who ultimately lost valuable points in the race for second place in the Drivers’ Championship.
Alesi’s comments have drawn mixed reactions within the F1 community. On one hand, critics argue that Lawson, as a driver racing for his career, has every right to fight for every point and position, even if it means disrupting the rhythm of faster cars. On the other hand, some feel Alesi’s perspective reflects an older, more traditional view of racing etiquette, where respect for team dynamics and championship battles is paramount.
Lawson’s performance has been a topic of much discussion since he was called up to replace Ricciardo, who suffered a fractured hand during the Dutch Grand Prix. Despite being thrust into a difficult position with little notice, the 21-year-old has consistently delivered strong showings, often outperforming expectations in a car that has struggled for competitiveness in 2024. His tenacity and defensive driving against higher-tier teams have earned him praise, but also sparked debates about his role and the long-term goals of AlphaTauri, who are at the back of the grid and focused on development rather than immediate podium finishes.
In the aftermath of the Japanese Grand Prix, Lawson was quick to defend his actions, explaining that he was simply racing with the ambition and determination that every F1 driver has. “When you’re out there, you’re racing with everything you’ve got,” Lawson explained. “Sergio is a top driver, but I’m here to fight for every position. I’m not out to ruin anyone’s race, but when you’re in a battle, you have to give it your all.”
Perez himself seemed to take the skirmish in stride, acknowledging Lawson’s tenacity but also emphasizing that his focus was on securing points for the team. “Liam is doing a good job, he’s a tough competitor,” Perez said after the race. “But I’m not going to lie, losing points like that is frustrating. It’s important for me to stay focused on my race and not let things like this distract me.”
Despite the tension, Red Bull’s dominance in the Constructors’ Championship remains unchallenged, with Perez and teammate Max Verstappen continuing to rack up wins and podiums. However, Lawson’s recent performances have raised eyebrows, suggesting that the young driver could become a real force in F1 in the near future.
For now, Lawson’s battles with Perez, and any further incidents in which he may find himself at odds with faster competitors, will continue to be a point of contention and intrigue. While Alesi’s comments may have added fuel to the fire, Lawson’s resolve to compete at the highest level remains undeterred, as he seeks to solidify his place in Formula 1 and secure a future with a more competitive team.