Verstappen and Lawson each receive one-place grid penalty after Mexico GP practice clash

Summary

Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson collided during the second practice session at the Mexico City Grand Prix, leading to penalties from the stewards. Both drivers will start one position lower on the grid and have also received a superlicence penalty point for their actions. This incident highlights the increasing scrutiny on driver conduct during practice sessions, as such clashes can significantly affect race outcomes.

The Full Story

Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson have both been handed one-place grid penalties for their collision during second practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix. The incident, which the FIA stewards deemed “unacceptable,” also earned each driver a penalty point on their superlicences.

The clash unfolded in the stadium section of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, as Verstappen attempted an inside overtake on Lawson heading into Turn 12. Lawson, defending from the Racing Bulls team, held his line, forcing the two side by side through Turn 13. Contact occurred at Turn 14, damaging Verstappen’s barge boards and forcing him off track over the kerbs. The collision disrupted Verstappen’s session and caused debris to fall on the circuit, prompting a red flag.

Stewards reviewed the incident extensively, noting that Verstappen was on a preparation lap while Lawson was on a cooldown lap ahead of another push. Both drivers were judged to have behaved in a manner “considered unacceptable,” especially given a prior warning issued at the team managers’ meeting about overtaking risks in the final sector. Verstappen and Lawson admitted their moves were “unnecessary and clumsy,” leading the stewards to escalate the penalty from a formal warning to grid drops, consistent with similar free practice incidents in recent years.

Verstappen expressed frustration after the session, questioning Lawson’s judgment. “For me, it’s just not very smart behavior when you’re in his position, to pick a fight with me,” he said, according to Autosport. Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane downplayed the clash as a “storm in a teacup,” attributing it partly to the track’s demand for perfect tyre preparation in the final sector. He explained that both drivers were focused on maximizing tyre temperature for the next flying lap, leading to the risky overlap.

The penalty is notable given the relationship between the two teams, with Racing Bulls operating as Red Bull’s junior outfit. Lawson currently sits ninth in the championship standings, ahead of his teammate Arvid Lindblad, and is considered the top driver outside the leading four teams. His future remains uncertain as Racing Bulls have yet to confirm their 2027 lineup.

Both drivers will drop one grid position for Sunday’s race, a potentially significant setback in a tight championship battle. The incident highlights the fine line drivers walk in practice sessions, balancing preparation with caution. Qualifying is set for Saturday evening, with the race following on Sunday.