Damon Hill sends disappointed message to Fernando Alonso over Liam Lawson comments at US Grand Prix

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Liam Lawson made a sporting enemy of Fernando Alonso on his F1 return at the US Grand Prix. Alonso was livid with the youngster after a run-in during Saturday’s Sprint race.

It was Lawson’s sixth Grand Prix and his first of 2024 after he replaced Daniel Ricciardo at RB. Having started 19th due to engine penalties, he impressively climbed up ninth to score two points.

The weekend had got off to a frustrating start, with Lawson finishing the Sprint a lowly 15th after an SQ1 exit. He had been thrust into competitive action after just one hour of practice.

The 22-year-old immediately came up against the most experienced driver on the F1 grid, but he certainly wasn’t overawed. Replays showed Lawson muscling his way ahead of Alonso on the exit of turn 12 before shutting the door into 13.

This opened the door for Alpine’s Esteban Ocon to overtake both cars. Speaking over the radio, Alonso called Lawson an ‘idiot’.

Unbroadcast onboard footage from a previous lap showed Alonso leaving the track at 11 as Lawson aggressively held the inside. The Spaniard also felt that his rival made a late move on the ensuing straight.

Damon Hill unhappy with Fernando Alonso over Liam Lawson outburst at US Grand Prix

Alonso confronted Lawson in parc ferme and then tried to exact his revenge in qualifying. The 43-year-old passed the RB on the exit of the pits, potentially compromising his out-lap.

Speaking between the sessions, Alonso said ‘it’s his career that’s at stake, not mine’. Lawson is auditioning for a Red Bull seat amid the ongoing struggles of Sergio Perez.

Motorsport.com shared these comments on Instagram, and 1996 world champion Damon Hill reacted on his story. Hill felt Alonso didn’t behave in an appropriate manner.

“Come on Fernando,” he wrote. “You’re bigger than that.”

Liam Lawson’s surprised reaction to Fernando Alonso battle

Two-time title-winner Alonso is approaching his 400th race start. He’s finished on the podium in over a quarter of those races (106) and also bagged 32 wins and 22 pole positions.

However, it’s been a frustrating season amid Aston Martin’s regression. Since Miami at the start of May, he’s failed to score points in eight out of 15 events (including Sprints).

Lawson was surprised by Alonso’s reaction because he didn’t think he ‘did anything wrong’. Perhaps it reflected the veteran’s frustration.

Radio transcripts show Alonso’s attempt to delay Lawson was pointless. RB were always planning to bring their driver in at the end of the lap.