The 2026 Formula 1 season is only one race old, but it has already revived one of the paddock’s more personal rivalries. The tension between Sergio Pérez and Liam Lawson resurfaced during the Australian Grand Prix, reminding fans that some on-track grudges in Formula 1 never fully disappear.
Their latest clash occurred during a mid-pack battle that technically meant little in the race standings, but carried plenty of emotional baggage.
Lawson Frustrated After Early Incident
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Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson had a difficult start to his Australian Grand Prix weekend after suffering a power issue early in the race that effectively ruined his chances of scoring points. That left him fighting further down the order than expected.
But his biggest frustration came during a heated exchange with Sergio Pérez, who is now racing for Cadillac following his return to the grid in 2026.
The two drivers battled for position around the middle of the field, eventually clashing during an aggressive sequence of overtakes. Lawson initially attempted a move but was squeezed toward the edge of the track on corner exit. Several laps later, he responded with a late braking maneuver into Turn 11 on lap 16, forcing his way past Pérez.
Over team radio, Lawson made his feelings clear in blunt fashion.
“That guy f***ing sucks,” Lawson said after the encounter.
Despite the frustration, Lawson managed to recover to finish 13th, though the result did little to hide the renewed tension between the two drivers.
Rivalry Dates Back to Red Bull Seat Battle
The conflict between Pérez and Lawson did not begin in Melbourne. Their rivalry traces back to the fight for Red Bull’s second seat ahead of the 2025 season.
At the time, Lawson was widely viewed as a rising talent within the Red Bull driver program, while Pérez was fighting to maintain his position alongside Max Verstappen. The pressure surrounding that decision created friction between the two drivers both on and off the track.
Their most public flashpoint came at the 2024 Mexican Grand Prix, Pérez’s home race. Contact between the pair left Pérez with race-ending damage while Lawson later issued an apology after gesturing toward Pérez on the main straight following the incident.
According to Lawson, the tension from that episode still lingers.
“Two years later he’s not over it,” Lawson said after the race in Melbourne. “He’s fighting me like it’s for the world championship and we’re P16.”
From Lawson’s perspective, the intensity of the battle felt unnecessary given the low stakes of the position they were fighting for.
Pérez Sees It as Normal Racing
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Pérez, however, offered a much calmer interpretation of the incident. The veteran driver suggested the aggressive battle was simply part of racing and nothing personal.
“I was just trying to race him,” Pérez explained after the race. “It was a bit of fun racing, and that’s really it.”
Pérez also noted that Cadillac’s car was not competitive enough to challenge further up the field, making every on-track battle valuable experience for the team.
Race stewards briefly reviewed the incident but ultimately decided that Perez’s defensive move did not warrant a penalty, meaning both drivers escaped without disciplinary action.
Rivalry Could Continue Through 2026
While the clash in Melbourne may not have affected the race outcome significantly, it adds another chapter to a rivalry that could become one of the more intriguing storylines of the 2026 season.
With Lawson trying to establish himself as a long-term Formula 1 contender and Pérez attempting to prove he still belongs on the grid, their paths are likely to cross again.
And if their history is any indication, the next encounter may be just as intense.
Sergio Perez–Liam Lawson Rivalry Reignites at Australian Grand Prix