Lawson reveals family criticism after Perez middle finger

Liam Lawson has revealed he was criticised by his father after showing Sergio Perez his middle finger during the Mexico City Grand Prix.

The duo had a robust fight on the track as they battled for position with Lawson taking issue with Perez's driving.

The New Zealander stuck his middle finger up at Perez as he overtook him for position, prompting a post-race meeting with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.

Lawson later apologised for the incident and revealed he even felt the wrath of his father who took issue with his son's actions.

“My dad told me off, as my dad has done many times over the years,” Lawson told TFN. 

“[I’m] very fortunate to have someone like my dad who has played a massive role in raising me as a man, but also as a driver, growing up and trying to be professional in the sport.

“And he’s kept me very grounded, I would say, and that’s been something that he’s done since I was a kid. 

“He wasn’t impressed with that and I completely understand why. And obviously, as I said, it’s not something I should have done, and I’ll learn from [it].”

Lawson has been linked with a switch to Red Bull next year in place of Perez who has struggled for form throughout the campaign.

Although he accepted he went too far in Mexico, Lawson asserted he is not in F1 to make friends.

“Obviously my goal is not to go out and make enemies of anybody,” he said.

“I’m not trying to cause any issues. At the same time, I’m not here to make friends, I’m here to win  and that’s what I’m focused on doing.”