Lawson hits back at Sainz over penalty anger: 'He should talk to me'

Liam Lawson responded to Carlos Sainz Jr.'s angry response to a ten-second penalty after the pair collided during the Dutch Grand Prix.

Both Lawson and Sainz, driving for Racing Bulls and Williams respectively, were on for a top-ten finish and points for themselves and their teams until they came together after the first Safety Car restart on lap 26.

Both drivers received damage which necessitated a trip to the pits for new tyres and repairs, sending them to the foot of the field from which a points finish wasn't possible.

The stewards pinned the blame on Sainz for the incident, giving the Spaniard a ten-second penalty which he served in a subsequent pitstop.

The Blame Game Begins

Speaking after the Grand Prix, Sainz expressed anger at the decision, wholeheartedly disagreeing with the penalty handed to him.

He labelled the reprimand as a "complete joke" and criticised Lawson's driving as risky and dangerous.

Naturally Lawson was compelled to respond to the comments made by Sainz.

Speaking to media after the race, Lawson stated that he didn't do anything wrong and kept within the rules at all times.

He said: "Obviously, I'm not stoked either. It ruined my day.

"The rules are written as they are, and we know how they're written. I've been on the receiving end [of penalties] this year as well, where I was going for an overtake and thought that I should be given space; I wasn't and I got a penalty.

"So it's something that we learn from. We know we all know this. It's lap one on a restart. It's super slippery, cold tyres, and it's fine to go for the move, but it's just risky and we make contact, which is not ideal, but that's why he got a penalty," Lawson added.

• Read also: Furious Sainz blasts FIA stewards over ‘joke’ Dutch GP penalty

Lawson expressed disappointment in Sainz' handling of the incident outside the track, stating that it would have been better if they talked it through together before making comments to the general public.

He continued: "He was overtaking me today and he got a penalty today. So he can make all the comments in the world he likes.

"I wish he'd just come and talk to me about it rather than telling everybody else. If it was my fault, I would have got a penalty.

"I understand his frustration. We don't want to be in these situations. As I said, I've been on the receiving end as well. It's just the way the rules are written, and we all know that," concluded the Racing Bulls driver.

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