Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson have each received a one-grid-place penalty following an 'unacceptable' collision during second practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix. The incident occurred at Turn 14 when Verstappen attempted to overtake Lawson inside at Turn 12, but the Racing Bulls driver held his ground. The two went side by side through Turn 13 before making contact, causing debris to fall from Verstappen's car and triggering a red flag.
The stewards deemed both drivers' behavior unacceptable, noting a prior warning had been issued at the team managers meeting about overtaking in the final sector. Both drivers admitted the moves were 'unnecessary and clumsy.' The penalty escalates from a formal warning due to similar incidents earlier in the season. Verstappen criticized Lawson's actions, stating it was 'not very smart behaviour' especially when fighting for a seat.
The collision is notable given both teams share ownership, with Racing Bulls being Red Bull's junior squad. Lawson currently sits ninth in the standings, ahead of teammate Arvid Lindblad by 39 points.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing