Lawson advises Sainz not to communicate via the press.

      "I propose that he speak to me directly."

      Liam Lawson has defended his actions following his incident with Carlos Sainz at Zandvoort, while also acknowledging that the Spaniard's penalty might have been overly severe. "Clearly, I'm not satisfied either—it spoiled my day," stated the Racing Bulls driver. "But that's simply how it is.

      "I’ve faced a similar scenario this year while trying to overtake, where I felt the other driver should have left me room, but they didn’t, and I ended up with a penalty," Lawson continued.

      "The reality is that he was the one who started the situation. He made an aggressive move, it was risky, he was penalized, and now he can say whatever he likes."

      An increasingly exasperated Sainz, who finished outside the points, criticized both Lawson and the FIA stewards, stating he might even take the issue to the governing body as a GPDA director.

      However, Lawson was displeased that the Ferrari driver chose to express his frustrations publicly. "I suggest he communicate with me personally, rather than through the media," remarked the New Zealander.

      He emphasized that their collision was merely a matter of racing according to the current regulations. "It’s frustrating for both of us. Clearly, it wasn't my intention, but it's the first lap of a restart, and we have very little grip as we approach the first corner.

      "The rules are established as they are, and we all understand how they are formulated, regardless of our disagreements," Lawson elaborated. "I don't fully agree with the penalty either, but for it to be his corner, he needs to be ahead at the apex—and he wasn't even close. I believe that's the reason he received a penalty."