FIA opens investigation into Verstappen and Lawson after Mexican Grand Prix practice collision
The FIA stewards have summoned Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson for a post-session review following a contact incident that caused a brief red flag during Friday practice at the 2026 Mexican Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson were called to meet FIA stewards after they collided during the second practice session at the Mexican Grand Prix. The incident occurred as Verstappen attempted an inside move on Lawson into Turn 13, resulting in contact that left debris on the track and prompted a short red-flag period for cleanup. Lawson required a front-wing replacement, while Verstappen sustained damage to a bargeboard.
Both drivers were summoned for a post-session investigation, and the FIA later confirmed that penalties would be applied.
"From a pit wall, from a car, from a driver side, in an FP2 session to lose any component is the worst thing that can happen for you really, or is quite negative for the rest of your weekend. We don’t know how many spares the teams have at this stage of the season," said Sky F1 analyst Bernie Collins.
"I think both drivers probably, in the coolness of the debrief, will regret their decisions. It wasn’t worth it."
Verstappen finished the session fifth, 0.3 seconds behind Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, who topped both practice sessions. Lawson ended the session ninth, just behind teammate Arvid Lindblad. Racing Bulls has not yet announced its driver lineup for the 2027 season, with Lawson, Lindblad and Nikola Tsolov among those under consideration.