MEXICO CITY - Sergio Perez labelled his potential Red Bull replacement Liam Lawson "out of control" and said the Kiwi has the wrong attitude needed to succeed in Formula 1.
Lawson fought hard against Perez as they vied for position on Lap 19, with his car bumping into the Red Bull's sidepod as he muscled back past on the exit of the Turn 4/5 chicane.
Lawson had a war of words with Fernando Alonso at the U.S. Grand Prix, his first since replacing Daniel Ricciardo.
"He nearly crashed with Fernando last weekend, he nearly crashed with Franco [Colpainto]," Perez said. " I think he's just racing everyone out of control at the moment."
Perez said the New Zealander needs to change his attitude.
"I think the way he has come to Formula 1, I don't think he has the right attitude for it. He needs to be a bit more humble, you know. When two-time world champion was saying things last weekend, he completely ignored him.
"It's like when you come to Formula 1, you're obviously very hungry and so on, but you have to be as well respectful off-track and on-track. I don't think he's showing the right attitude to show a good pace for himself, because I think he's a great driver and I hope for him that he can step back and learn from it."
Lawson replaced Ricciardo because Red Bull wants to assess his form as a potential replacement for Perez, who has had an awful 2024 season.
But Perez suggested if Lawson keeps driving in the same way, he risks an early end to his career.
"I think his two first two grand prix he has had too many incidents and I think there will be a point where it can cost him too much, like he did this weekend. I just think he has to have the right attitude to say, look, I'm overdoing it a little bit, I will step back and start again. It's all the learning you have to do as a youngster because if you don't learn from your mistakes, Formula 1 is a brutal world and he might not continue."
Later in the race as Lawson passed Perez again on the main straight, onboard cameras caught him raising his middle finger at the Mexican driver.
Lawson was apologetic for that moment.
"It's obviously one of those in the moment things, he spent half the lap blocking me trying to ruin my race. I was upset, but it's not an excuse, I shouldn't have done it and I apologise for that."
When it was put to him that it's not the sort of thing Red Bull racing advisor Helmut Marko likes to see, Lawson replied: "I don't think it's what Helmut likes, it's not my character, it's not something I should have done."
Perez suggested Marko or Red Bull boss Christian Horner need to have a word with Lawson on his approach.
"That's none of my business, it's up to them. But today it cost Red Bull Racing a lot of points, so I think they should speak to him."