Verstappen criticises Lawson after practice collision at Mexican Grand Prix
Max Verstappen said Liam Lawson's actions during Friday's second practice session were unwise, while the young driver faces a stewards' inquiry.
During the second practice session for the Mexican Grand Prix, Red Bull driver Max Verstappen collided with Racing Bulls rookie Liam Lawson. Verstappen told Sky Sports F1 that the incident was not a matter of bad luck but stemmed from "not very smart behaviour" by Lawson, adding that such actions are ill-advised for a driver fighting for his seat.
Verstappen explained that he was on a fast out-lap when Lawson, who was travelling slowly, accelerated as Verstappen approached, leading to the contact. He said, "I don't know what was going through his head and that happened, trying to just run me off the track. For me, it's just not very smart behaviour when you're in his position to pick a fight with me."
Lawson has been summoned to the stewards for erratic driving during the session, though no penalty has been announced. The New Zealander currently sits ninth in the drivers' standings with 77 points, while his teammate Arvid Lindblad is 11th with 38 points. Verstappen leads the championship with 236 points.