Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson Handed Mexico Grid Penalties After Collision

Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson were both handed one‑place grid penalties after a collision during Friday practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix, an incident that immediately became the dominant talking point heading into the weekend.

The clash occurred as the two drivers disputed the same section of track, with their cars making side‑on contact in the stadium complex.

Verstappen was openly critical of Lawson’s driving, describing it as “not very smart behaviour”, while Lawson accepted the incident was “clumsy”.

Verstappen, Lawson and Mexico: Practice clash sparks controversy

As they ran side‑by‑side through three corners, both drivers made moves the FIA deemed unacceptable. The stewards noted that “both drivers admitted the moves were unnecessary and ‘clumsy’.”

Verstappen, speaking before the verdict, criticised Lawson’s decision‑making, saying the New Zealander “started to accelerate” as he approached and “wanted to drive me off the track in the hairpin.”

Lawson’s situation adds further intrigue. He is competing for a Racing Bulls seat next Formula 1 season alongside Arvid Lindblad and Formula 2 frontrunner Nikola Tsolov. Verstappen’s influence within the Red Bull structure makes the clash politically sensitive, especially given Lawson’s previous spells as Verstappen’s teammate in 2025 and again this year as a substitute for the injured Isack Hadjar.

Championship implications and Friday performance

Away from the collision, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc topped both practice sessions, finishing 0.103 seconds ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris, with George Russell just 0.003 seconds further back. Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli was fourth, ahead of both Red Bulls. Antonelli needs only ninth place if Russell wins, or 10th if Hamilton triumphs, to secure the championship.

Hamilton ended the day 11th after stopping on track with a technical issue, saying “I was feeling really good in the car… it’s just my luck.” Russell believes Ferrari look strongest, though he expects qualifying to be tight. Race‑simulation runs suggested a one‑stop strategy and limited overtaking due to Mexico’s thin air and overheating challenges.

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