Veteran Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso’s experience and aggression were on full display during the United States Grand Prix Sprint aimed at rookie Liam Lawson. The VCARB driver, filling in for Daniel Ricciardo since the Singapore Grand Prix, was thrust into a fierce battle with the two-time World Champion that quickly escalated into a war of words and wheel-to-wheel tension.
The action started on the opening lap, with Lawson making a bold move at Turn 11 that forced Alonso wide, pushing the Spaniard onto the run-off. Despite both drivers being out of points contention, the fight for track position was far from tame. The aggression continued as Lawson held his ground, defending fiercely through Turn 12 and Turn 15.
Here is the video of the wheel-to-wheel fight:
This is what Alonso was complaining about 🙄
— Box Box || OSCAR WDC 2025 🏆🇦🇺 (@BoxBoxAndStop) October 20, 2024
Fernando mate, this is called hard racing. Lawson done absolutely nothing wrong JFC 💀#F1 #USGP #F1Sprint #Lawson
pic.twitter.com/KIKg3FRvaO
Fernando Alonso y Liam Lawson tras la Sprint.pic.twitter.com/Jcw6ltLD8a
— ElReyGuiri (@ElReyGuiri) October 19, 2024
His robust defence further angered Alonso, especially when another exchange led to Alonso being forced into a compromised line through Turn 15. This allowed Esteban Ocon to capitalize, slipping past Alonso while the Spaniard struggled to regain speed on the exit.
A shocking pit lane verbal spat goes viral!
Furious with the rookie’s race craft, Alonso voiced his frustration over the team radio, branding Lawson an “idiot” and vowing retaliation. However, his threats seemed futile, with no immediate action taken during the race itself. While Lawson appeared unfazed by the criticism, Alonso’s promise of payback lingered in the air.
After the incident, both drivers were captured by cameras in the pit lane. Both were visually agitated and were arguing over something furiously. The incident echoed Alonso’s infamous 2007 clash with Lewis Hamilton during Hungarian GP qualifying, showcasing the Spaniard’s fiery nature when crossed. However, in this case, Alonso’s aggressive tactics ultimately backfired, as Lawson emerged relatively unscathed, both in the standings and in the court of public opinion.