Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson will start one position lower on the grid at the Mexico City Grand Prix after the FIA sanctioned their collision during the second free practice session. The stewards determined that the contact between the Red Bull and Racing Bulls drivers was “unacceptable,” resulting in a one-grid-place penalty for each competitor. This ruling significantly alters the starting order for the weekend, forcing both drivers to concede a crucial position in the battle for podium finishes.
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The incident occurred as the two cars made contact on track, prompting an immediate review by race officials. While practice sessions are traditionally used for testing setups and tire degradation, the severity of the collision led to a swift disciplinary action. The decision underscores the FIA’s zero-tolerance policy for dangerous driving, even in non-qualifying sessions, and serves as a stark warning to other teams regarding track position management during high-speed maneuvers.
For Verstappen, the penalty adds pressure to secure a strong qualifying result to mitigate the loss of grid position. Meanwhile, Lawson faces a similar challenge, needing to maximize his car’s pace to recover the lost ground. The ruling highlights the intense rivalry within the Red Bull family and the high stakes of the Mexican Grand Prix, where every single grid slot can determine the outcome of the race. Fans and analysts alike are now focused on how both drivers will adapt their strategies in qualifying to minimize the impact of this setback.
Source: Sky News Sport
