Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson have both been handed one-place grid penalties for their collision during the second practice session at the Mexico City Grand Prix. The incident occurred when Verstappen attempted an inside overtake at Turn 12, but Lawson held his line, forcing the pair side-by-side into Turn 13. Contact was made at Turn 14, sending debris from the Red Bull car onto the track and triggering a red flag that disrupted the final hour of practice.
Stewards call practice incident “unacceptable” as red flag halts FP2 chaos
The stewards’ decision highlighted the severity of the contact, describing the drivers’ behavior as “unacceptable” despite both admitting the moves were “unnecessary and clumsy.” This ruling follows a specific warning issued at the team managers’ meeting earlier on Friday regarding overtaking maneuvers in the final sector of the circuit. Collisions of this magnitude between competitors in practice sessions are rare, underscoring the heightened tension and aggressive driving styles displayed by both drivers in pursuit of optimal setup data.
Both drivers will start one place further back on the grid for the race, a significant setback for Verstappen’s championship campaign and a strategic hurdle for Racing Bulls. Fans can witness the consequences of this ruling during qualifying at 9pm on Saturday, with the main race event scheduled for 8pm on Sunday. The penalty adds a layer of complexity to the weekend, forcing both teams to adjust their strategies in a high-altitude circuit known for its unique aerodynamic challenges.
Source: Sky Sports
