Red Bull driver Max Verstappen and Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson were summoned by FIA stewards and handed one-place grid penalties following a collision during second practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix. PlanetF1 reported that the incident occurred in the stadium section of the circuit, prompting a brief red flag to clear debris from the track.
Verstappen and Lawson Clash in Second Practice
The incident unfolded roughly 15 minutes into FP2 on Friday. Verstappen attempted an inside move on Lawson into Turn 12, prompting Lawson to hold his ground through the subsequent left-hand turn. Verstappen bounced over the exit kerb and rejoined the track alongside the New Zealander, resulting in contact that damaged the floor of the Red Bull and the front wing of the Racing Bulls car.
ESPN reported that the stewards found both drivers equally to blame. The official stewards’ decision stated that the drivers behaved in an unacceptable manner, particularly given warnings issued during the team managers’ meeting earlier that day. Both drivers admitted that their maneuvers were unnecessary and clumsy.
Driver and Team Reactions to the Incident
Speaking after the session, Verstappen criticized Lawson’s approach on a cooling lap. ESPN and Motorsport.com reported that the four-time world champion called the move not very smart behavior, adding that fighting for a seat does not excuse unnecessary risks during practice. Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane echoed those sentiments to Formula 1 reporters, describing the coming together as completely unnecessary for both drivers during a practice session.
Neither Max Verstappen or Liam Lawson were willing to yield in this incident in FP2 🫢The contact shed debris across the circuit and prompted a short Red Flag disruption 🚩#F1 #MexicoGP pic.twitter.com/nmWhtAGNv9
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc ultimately topped the FP2 timesheets, three-tenths clear of Verstappen, who finished the session in fifth place despite carrying car damage. Lawson ended the session in ninth position.
Grid Penalties and Championship Stakes
As a result of the stewards’ investigation, both Verstappen and Lawson received a one-place grid drop for Sunday’s grand prix, alongside a penalty point apiece. Formula 1 noted that the stewards escalated the punishment from a formal warning to a grid penalty due to previous infractions involving contact between cars in free practice sessions.
The penalties will apply to wherever each driver qualifies for the race, adding a minor setback to Verstappen’s pursuit of a runner-up spot in the Drivers’ Championship standings and compounding a tense weekend for Lawson as he seeks a seat with the Racing Bulls organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the stewards escalate the punishment to a grid penalty?
Formula 1 reported that the stewards escalated the penalty from a formal warning because of similar incidents involving contact between cars in free practice earlier in the year, and specifically because warnings had already been issued at the team managers’ meeting on Friday.
What damage did the cars sustain during the FP2 collision?
ESPN and PlanetF1 noted that Lawson required a front wing change on his Racing Bulls car, while Verstappen’s Red Bull suffered damage to its floor and bargeboard.
Where did Verstappen and Lawson finish the second practice session?
Motorsport.com and PlanetF1 confirmed that Verstappen ended FP2 in fifth place, while Lawson finished the session in ninth position.
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