Liam Lawson has been criticised by Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg following the Italian Grand Prix, with the German deeming that “his signature move” is to squeeze drivers.
Lawson and Hulkenberg clashed following the race restart at Monza, with the Red Bull driver being forced to pit for a new front wing after sustaining damage.
The incident took place at Turn 4 and saw Hulkenberg forced off the circuit. An investigation did take place, but other than a black-and-white flag for Lawson, no further action was taken.
While the New Zealander finished the race, having to pit for repairs cost him 30 seconds, which he was unable to make up.
In the end, Lawson had to settle for 14th, while Hulkenberg went on to finish in 12th.
Both drivers were frustrated with each other, with the Audi driver stating that Lawson does not leave drivers any room.
Asked what he thought of the incidents with Lawson, Hulkenberg told select media, including RacingNews365: “Liam? Yeah, he just likes to squeeze.
“He always likes to squeeze people when you go next to him. He never really wants to leave a car’s width. It’s his signature. It’s no hard feelings. It’s just a bit tricky.”
While noting that there were “no hard feelings”, Hulkenberg did feel that the incident should have been judged more harshly by the stewards, based on what was discussed during the drivers’ briefing.
Discussing no further action being taken, Hulkenberg added: “I need to see from the outside, but in the briefing, we said that this should be taken seriously.
“Especially at those speeds, it felt a bit sketchy at the time in the car.”