Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson received grid penalties for the Formula 1 Mexico Grand Prix following a collision during practice.
One of the standout incidents during Friday's Formula 1 practice sessions unfolded in the Foro Sol, also referred to as the stadium area of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. Max Verstappen attempted to pass Liam Lawson as they approached Turn 12 in the second session of the day, but the Racing Bulls driver defended his position, resulting in both competitors being side by side as they entered the stadium.
Verstappen found himself on the outside of Turn 13, where he believed his former teammate forced him off the track. The Dutch driver then went over the kerbs at Turn 14, after which contact occurred between the two Red Bull teams.
This incident inflicted damage on Verstappen's barge boards, which he had to manage for the remainder of the session, significantly affecting his day.
Following the practice, the four-time champion expressed his thoughts candidly in the media area. When asked by Motorsport.com for his take on the situation, Verstappen said he couldn't comprehend “what was going through Liam's mind” and remarked: “In my view, it's just not very wise behavior when you're in his position to engage in a conflict with me.”
Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane characterized it as a minor issue, partially stemming from the unique characteristics of the circuit in Mexico and the challenges of getting the tyres into their optimal temperature range.
“When you’re completing a lap here, whether it's an out lap or a cool down lap, it’s crucial to perform well in the last sector. Doing so sets you up with good tyres for Turn 1. Failing to do that could lead to front locking and similar issues. Both were aiming for that, and if I had to sum it up in one word, it’s just unnecessary.”
Stewards impose stricter penalties after prior warnings
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
After fulfilling their media obligations, both drivers were summoned to the FIA stewards, who ultimately assigned Verstappen and Lawson a one-place grid penalty each for the upcoming race on Sunday, along with a penalty point on their superlicences - a decision that took several hours to reach.
“As they approached Turn 12, car 3 was on a preparation lap while car 30 was on a cool down lap, getting ready for another fast lap,” the FIA document stated.
“The behavior of both drivers was deemed unacceptable by the Stewards, especially considering the prior warning given at the Team Managers meeting earlier that day.
“Both drivers acknowledged that their actions were unnecessary and ‘clumsy’. Citing similar incidents this year involving driver interactions during Free Practice, the Stewards decided to elevate the penalty from a formal warning to a grid position penalty, especially in light of the prior warning issued at the Team Managers meeting and in line with other instances of contact between cars in Free Practice in past years.”
With the stewards eager to send a clear message following earlier warnings, both Red Bull teams have faced consequences from an incident that, according to Permane, was largely unnecessary.
“I’m sure both drivers have their own views on it. I believe that in hindsight, they'll be composed and think, actually, we could have both handled that better,” the Racing Bulls team principal told Motorsport.com.
“I don’t think anyone is looking to instigate a conflict, that’s for sure. I think it’s just one of those occurrences. And as I mentioned: unnecessary.”
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