Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson face an additional setback ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix after being penalised by the FIA for their collision during FP2 at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
The incident occurred in the stadium section of the circuit, where Verstappen attempted to overtake Lawson’s Racing Bulls at Turn 12. The New Zealander defended his position, with the two drivers continuing their battle into the following corner.
Verstappen’s Red Bull ran over the kerb before making contact with Lawson’s car, damaging the floor of the RB22 and the front wing of the Racing Bulls.
Debris scattered across the track forced race control to temporarily suspend the session with a red flag.
FIA Hands Both Drivers One-Place Grid Penalties
Following the session, Verstappen and Lawson were summoned to the stewards to explain their involvement in the collision.
After reviewing the available footage and hearing from both drivers, the FIA concluded that both had contributed to an avoidable incident.
The stewards also considered instructions issued during an earlier team managers’ meeting, in which teams had been reminded of the importance of avoiding unnecessary risks during practice sessions.
As a result, both drivers received a one-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race, along with one penalty point on their respective super licences.
Verstappen and Lawson Clash Over Responsibility
The incident immediately sparked frustration on both sides.
Lawson accused Verstappen over team radio of causing the collision, while the four-time world champion questioned the New Zealander’s decision to defend his position so aggressively during a practice session.
Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane also expressed his disappointment, describing the collision as unnecessary and suggesting that both drivers could have done more to avoid it.
The confrontation comes at an important stage of the season, with Verstappen looking to maximise Red Bull’s improving performance and Lawson fighting to strengthen his position in Formula 1.
Mexican GP: Verstappen Faces an Additional Challenge
The penalty adds another complication to Verstappen’s weekend as Red Bull looks to build on its recent progress.
The Dutchman arrived in Mexico following his third-place finish at the United States Grand Prix in Austin and had finished fifth in FP2, while Lawson recorded the ninth-fastest time.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc topped the session ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris.
Both penalties will be applied to Sunday’s starting grid once the qualifying results have been confirmed.
For Verstappen and Lawson, an unnecessary battle during free practice will now have consequences on race day. The FIA’s decision underlines its determination to discourage avoidable incidents, particularly during sessions where track position has no competitive significance.