Verstappen criticizes Lawson’s risky move after Mexico GP FP2 collision
Max Verstappen criticized Liam Lawson for a collision during FP2 at the Mexican GP.
- Verstappen called Lawson's actions 'not very smart' after their wheel-to-wheel clash.
- The incident resulted in debris flying off both cars during practice.
- This clash highlights the ongoing tensions and competitive nature among drivers in the championship.
During the second practice session for the Mexican Grand Prix, Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson collided while racing wheel to wheel through the stadium sector. Verstappen expressed his frustration, labeling Lawson's behavior as 'not very smart.' The collision caused debris to scatter from both cars, emphasizing the high stakes and competitive spirit present in the current F1 season.
Max Verstappen sharply criticized Liam Lawson’s driving after the two collided during the second practice session at the Mexico City Grand Prix. The incident unfolded early in FP2 when both drivers were on hot laps, with Verstappen attempting to overtake Lawson’s Racing Bulls car into Turn 12. Lawson then tried to retake the position immediately in the stadium section, forcing Verstappen over the kerb and causing damage to his Red Bull’s floor. The clash scattered debris on track and briefly brought out a red flag.
Verstappen dismissed the idea that the collision was simply bad luck, calling Lawson’s move “not very smart behaviour” given the stakes. “At the end of the day, it’s not going to change my weekend, but if I were him, I would act a little bit smarter,” Verstappen told Sky Sports F1. “Also when you’re fighting for your seat, it’s not very smart behaviour.” Lawson’s contract with Racing Bulls, Red Bull’s sister team, expires at the end of this season, adding extra pressure on the New Zealander to impress.
The Red Bull driver elaborated on the incident to Motorsport.com, explaining he was on a fast out-lap after earlier issues, while Lawson was initially driving slowly. “As soon as he saw me arrive, he started to speed up as well. I don’t know what was going through his head, but that happened, trying to just run me off the track,” Verstappen said. Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane condemned both drivers for the clash, labeling it “completely unnecessary” in a practice session and urging them to do better.
Lawson was summoned to the stewards for “driving erratically” during FP2, but no official decision had been announced by the time of reporting. Verstappen finished the session fifth, 0.311 seconds behind Charles Leclerc, despite the damage sustained. Lawson ended ninth, 0.628 seconds off the pace, continuing a solid campaign that has him ninth in the drivers’ standings with 77 points. His teammate Arvid Lindblad sits 11th with 38 points.
The incident highlights the tense battle within the Red Bull junior program, where Lawson’s future remains uncertain. After a difficult 2025 season, a promotion to Red Bull Racing seems unlikely, and his place at Racing Bulls for 2027 has not been confirmed. Verstappen’s warning underscores the high pressure on drivers fighting for limited seats in the Red Bull family.
Teams will review the collision and its consequences as they prepare for the rest of the weekend. With the Mexican GP qualifying and race looming, both Verstappen and Lawson will need to refocus quickly to maximize their championship and career opportunities.
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