Lawson warns Perez after aggressive Canadian Sprint clash

Liam Lawson has accused Sergio Perez of being 'quite aggressive' after the pair added another chapter to their growing rivalry in Saturday's Canadian Grand Prix Sprint. The Racing Bulls driver described the incident as unnecessary for a points-scoring race, yet Perez was penalised for forcing Lawson off the track as they battled for 11th place in the short 23-lap event.

Why it matters:

The incident highlights the deepening friction between the two drivers stemming from their 2024 competition for a Red Bull Racing seat. While Lawson secured the drive, Perez moved to Cadillac for 2025 before returning to the grid this season. Their competition is intense, with Perez pushing hard even when racing far down the order. This latest clash reinforces the narrative that Perez remains a significant threat to anyone on the grid, regardless of grid position or team. As the 2026 season progresses, these interactions between teammates-turned-rivals will define the narrative of the championship. The stakes are high for both drivers as they navigate a competitive grid where every point matters for championship contention.

The details:

• The Incident: On the straight before Turn 13, Perez attempted to overtake Lawson. Lawson moved to the right, then back to the left, forcing Perez off the track.
• The Penalty: Stewards applied a base line penalty of 10 seconds. Perez finished 11th but dropped to 14th. Lawson was promoted to 11th.
• Quotes: Lawson stated, "He's fighting me like it's for the world championship and we are like P16." Perez asked his engineer, "What was he trying to do?"
• Context: The 23-lap Sprint format often sees heightened aggression. Perez took the chequered flag in 11th place, a second ahead of Lawson. The stewards noted Car 30 attempted to overtake Car 11 on the straight before Turn 13. The base line penalty of 10 seconds is applied for forcing Car 11 off the track.

What's next:

The drivers will have some distance at the start of Sunday's grand prix, with Lawson 12th on the grid and Perez starting P20. Lawson noted that racing Perez is 'not really worth it for no points,' but the rivalry persists regardless of the score. As the 2026 season progresses, these interactions between teammates-turned-rivals will define the narrative of the championship. The upcoming main race will see them separated on the grid, offering a chance to see if Perez's aggression translates into better results in the main event. Fans and pundits alike will be watching to see if the distance on the grid allows Lawson to avoid direct contact while Perez looks to gain ground.