Liam Lawson points finger at Carlos Sainz after Mexican GP 'killed'

Liam Lawson pointed the finger at Carlos Sainz for the pair's collision in the Mexico City Grand Prix, which "killed" the Racing Bulls driver's race. 

Lawson started in 15th and opted for the outside at the first corner; however, significant contact was made with Sainz's Williams. 

The New Zealander was forced to pit for repairs after the clash but soon retired from the race, due to the level of damage his VCARB 02 sustained. 

It marked the end of a frustrating weekend for Lawson at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, having also expected to qualify much better than where he did.

Explaining what happened at the first corner, Lawson told select media including RacingNews365: "We had a really good start. And then, basically, there was a lot of space on the outside. 

"So I filled the gap, and a lot of guys were sliding at Turn 1, but I left plenty of space next to Carlos. And I think he's decided to cut the chicane, but hasn't looked left, and I'm right there. 

"He's just driven into the side of me. So yeah, it's something that just sucks. I think you ought to have more awareness. Honestly, it's destroyed the side of our car, and we had to retire."

Lawson critical of Sainz unawareness

In Lawson's eyes, the collision occurred due to Sainz being unaware of where he was on the circuit. 

Sainz was set to cut the chicane at Turn 2 to rejoin the track at Turn 3, with the collision having destroyed the floor on Lawson's car and his front-wing.

Retirement was the only option for Lawson, as the damage he sustained hurt his lap time by three seconds. 

"There's not really much I can say," added Lawson. "I'm [not thinking] he's done it intentionally. I'm sure he's not intentionally driven into me, but it's just one of those things. 

"I completely understand, Turn 1 on the first lap is chaotic, but we're all trying to be aware of what's going on, and you can't just decide to cut the chicane without looking to your left because he's hit me so hard that it's just destroyed the whole side of the floor. 

"It broke my front wing and just killed our race. We were three seconds a lap off after that. So, yeah, I mean, it's just one of those things, unfortunately."