Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson collided during Free Practice 2 at the Mexico City Grand Prix, resulting in damage to both cars and subsequent penalties from FIA stewards. Verstappen characterized the incident as “not very smart behaviour” by Lawson, who is currently competing for a permanent seat at Racing Bulls, according to Formula 1.
Verstappen and Lawson Clash in Stadium Section
The collision occurred when Verstappen attempted an overtake on Lawson at Turn 12. Formula 1 reports that Lawson tried to re-pass into the following left turn in the stadium section. Verstappen bounced over a kerb upon exit and rejoined the track alongside Lawson, causing contact that damaged Verstappen’s bargeboard and Lawson’s front wing.
The incident triggered a brief red flag to allow marshals to clear debris from the circuit. Both drivers completed the session, with Verstappen finishing fifth and Lawson ninth, as reported by PlanetF1.
Did you know? The Mexico City circuit sits at an altitude of 2,200 meters. The thin air makes overheating a significant challenge, which the BBC reports makes overtaking particularly difficult during the race.
WOAH! 😨This is the moment where Verstappen and Lawson go wheel-to-wheel in FP2, and make contact! 💥#F1 #MexicoGP pic.twitter.com/edY5rY0h7E
Verstappen and Permane Clash over Lawson Collision
Verstappen told Sky F1 that the collision was not “unlucky,” stating that if he were in Lawson’s position—fighting for a seat—he would “act a little bit smarter.” Verstappen claimed he was on a fast out lap while Lawson was driving slowly, but then accelerated as Verstappen arrived, attempting to run him off the track, according to PlanetF1.
Racing Bulls Team Principal Alan Permane described the clash as “completely unnecessary” for both drivers. While Permane disagreed with the notion that Lawson was “picking a fight” with Verstappen, he noted that both drivers were likely pushing in the final sector to ensure their tires were ready for Turn 1, according to RacingNews365.
Leclerc Leads Practice as Antonelli Nears Championship
| Driver | FP2 Position | Gap to Leclerc |
|---|---|---|
| Charles Leclerc | 1st | — |
| Lando Norris | 2nd | +0.103s |
Racing Bulls Weigh Lawson and Tsolov for 2027
Racing Bulls has not yet confirmed its driver lineup for 2027. The team is reportedly weighing options between Liam Lawson and Nikola Tsolov, according to the NZ Herald. In FP2, Lawson recorded a best time of 1m 18.455s, finishing more than one second faster than Tsolov’s FP1 mark of 1m 19.604s.
Technical Note: Lewis Hamilton finished 11th in FP2 after a technical problem stopped his car on track, preventing him from completing his qualifying simulation runs on soft tires, according to the BBC.
Common Questions About the Mexico City Practice Incidents
Why did Verstappen and Lawson collide?
The drivers were vying for track position in the stadium section during an out lap. Verstappen attempted an overtake at Turn 12, and contact occurred as he rejoined the track after bouncing over a kerb, according to Formula 1.
What were the consequences for the drivers?
FIA stewards handed both Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson twin penalties following a post-session investigation into the “clumsy” clash, according to PlanetF1.
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