Verstappen calls Lawson's practice maneuver unwise after Mexico City FP2 incident
Max Verstappen criticised Liam Lawson's overtaking attempt during Free Practice 2 in Mexico City, saying it was not smart, while both drivers finished the session and the incident will be reviewed by stewards.
During the second free-practice session for the Mexico City Grand Prix, Red Bull driver Max Verstappen and Racing Bulls rookie Liam Lawson collided while attempting overtakes on a hot lap. Verstappen was trying to pass a competitor into Turn 12 when Lawson moved to re-pass in the following left-hand turn, causing Verstappen to run over the kerb and damage his car's floor. A brief red-flag period was required to clear debris, after which both drivers completed the hour-long session, with Verstappen finishing fifth and Lawson ninth.
"I don't think it's called unlucky. Maybe not very smart behaviour what he was trying to do there. At the end of the day, it's not going to change my weekend but if I would be him, I would act a little bit smarter. Also when you're fighting for your seat, it's not very smart behaviour," Verstappen said when asked about the incident.
Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane described the clash as "completely unnecessary" and urged both drivers to improve their conduct in practice sessions. The stewards will investigate the incident after the session.
Lawson and Verstappen had missed the first practice session, which was filled by young drivers Ayumu Iwasa and Nikola Tsolov. Racing Bulls have not yet announced their driver lineup for the 2027 season, though Tsolov is set to make his Formula 1 debut in the upcoming practice session.