Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson each received a one-place grid penalty for the Mexico City Grand Prix after colliding during Friday practice. The incident occurred in the stadium section as the pair ran side-by-side through three corners, making contact side-on.
Stewards' Decision
Race stewards ruled both drivers at fault, citing "unacceptable" behavior. The FIA report noted Verstappen was preparing for a flying lap while Lawson was on a cool-down lap. Both drivers admitted their moves were unnecessary and "clumsy."
Verstappen's Criticism
Verstappen accused Lawson of "not very smart behaviour," saying the New Zealander tried to drive him off the track at the hairpin. The four-time champion added that picking a fight with him was unwise given Lawson's battle for a Racing Bulls seat next season.
Team Reaction
Racing Bulls principal Alan Permane called the clash "unnecessary" for both drivers. Lawson is one of three contenders for two seats at the Red Bull junior team alongside Arvid Lindblad and Nikola Tsolov.
Practice Pace
Charles Leclerc topped the timesheets for Ferrari, 0.103 seconds ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris. Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli, on the verge of clinching the world title, was fourth. The session also featured rookie drivers, including Cadillac's Colton Herta, who remains one point short of a superlicence.
