Verstappen criticises Lawson after practice collision in Mexico
Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson received one-place grid penalties after a collision in second practice for the Mexico City Grand Prix, with Verstappen publicly questioning Lawson's conduct.
Both drivers were summoned to the stewards at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez after their cars made contact during second practice, and each was handed a one-place grid penalty for what the officials described as an "unacceptable" incident. Verstappen's RB22 lost a piece of bargeboard, while Lawson's Racing Bulls suffered front-wing damage.
After the clash, Verstappen said, "For me, it's just not very smart behaviour," and later told Viaplay, "Look, you’re fighting for your seat, so you definitely shouldn’t be picking a fight with me." He added that he has always supported Lawson and spoken positively about him within the team.
Verstappen also referenced Lawson's demotion to the sister team last season, noting, "Of course, it sucked for him last year. I think it’s really unfortunate when something like that happens." He emphasized the need for respect within the Red Bull family, stating, "When you are in the same family, you're always taught that you have to have a lot of respect for the A-team," and advised Lawson to "just think logically about the situation you are in."