Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson have been handed one-place grid penalties for the Mexico City Grand Prix following a clumsy practice collision that triggered a red flag, Formula 1 officials confirmed on Friday.
Verstappen and Lawson Summoned After Stadium Section Clash
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson drew an official post-session investigation from FIA stewards after tangling in the stadium section during the second hour of practice, PlanetF1 reported. Both drivers sat out the opening practice session as rookies took over their cars, heading straight into the afternoon trouble when Verstappen attempted an inside move on Lawson into Turn 12.
Verstappen.com NEWS: Max fifth after first day in Mexico: 'The session could have gone a bit better' dlvr.it/TW7CD0 pic.twitter.com/UOgQM35MIA
Lawson held his ground through the sequence of corners as Verstappen waved a hand of frustration at the New Zealander. Verstappen bounced over the exit kerb and rejoined alongside Lawson, resulting in contact that damaged the floor of the Red Bull and the front wing of the Racing Bulls machine. The coming-together left debris scattered across the circuit and forced a brief red flag stoppage so marshals could clear the track.
Stewards Issue Grid Drops After Unacceptable Practice Contact
The stewards reviewed video footage, telemetry data, and heard testimony from both drivers before issuing individual one-place grid penalties and one penalty point apiece. According to the official stewards’ decision document cited by Formula 1, Verstappen was on a preparation lap while Lawson was on a cool-down lap preparing for another push lap. The governing body ruled that both drivers behaved in an unacceptable manner, noting that a specific warning regarding such behavior had already been issued during the team managers’ meeting earlier that day.
The race stewards have decided that both Max and Liam will receive a one-place grid penalty following the incident during Free Practice 2.#MexicoGP pic.twitter.com/ynYFVwjxxa
Racing Bulls team boss Alan Permane described the collision as completely unnecessary during a practice session, adding that both drivers share the blame equally. Verstappen finished the disrupted session in fifth place, three-tenths off Charles Leclerc’s benchmark, while Lawson ended Friday in ninth position.
Drivers Admit Clumsy Mistakes as Red Bull Fights Balance Issues
Both Verstappen and Lawson admitted to the stewards that their on-track moves were unnecessary and clumsy. Speaking to the media after the session, Verstappen criticized his former teammate’s approach, stating that when fighting for a race seat, such behavior is not very smart. Max Verstappen noted that Lawson is still fighting for his seat.
Beyond the penalty, the damage hampered Red Bull’s data collection on a day when the team was already battling a disconnect between the front and rear of the RB22. Technical director Pierre Waché explained to Motorsport.com that the car suffered from a balance disconnect in the braking phase and apex, leaving the team with extra repair work ahead of final practice.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Mexico City Practice Clash
What exact penalties did Verstappen and Lawson receive from the FIA?
Stewards handed both Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson a one-place grid penalty for Sunday’s grand prix and added one penalty point to each driver’s license following their collision in second practice.
Where did the collision happen on the Mexico City track?
The tangle occurred in the stadium section of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, starting with a move at Turn 12 and concluding with contact near Turn 13.
Did the incident affect either driver’s finishing position in FP2?
Despite the damage requiring a front wing change for Lawson and floor repairs for Verstappen, both drivers returned to the track, with Verstappen finishing the session in fifth place and Lawson ending the day in ninth.
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