Max Verstappen criticises Lawson after Mexico FP2 collision

Max Verstappen has criticised Liam Lawson after their collision in second practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix, arguing the Racing Bulls driver should not have escalated their encounter given the uncertainty around his seat.

The pair made contact while running wheel-to-wheel through the stadium section of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Both cars were damaged, and debris on the circuit prompted a red flag. The drivers were called to the stewards after the incident.

Verstappen says Lawson changed pace as he arrived

Verstappen explained that he was pushing on a fast out-lap after encountering a minor issue. He said Lawson had initially been moving slowly, but accelerated when Verstappen came up behind him, leaving the Dutchman unsure why the New Zealander had tried to force him wide.

The four-time champion considered it a poor decision for Lawson to challenge him while facing questions about his future at Racing Bulls. Lawson, 24, is reported to be at risk of losing his place to Red Bull junior and Formula 2 driver Nikola Tsolov.

That uncertainty comes despite a strong season for Lawson. He is ninth in the drivers’ standings and the leading driver outside the leading group, while Racing Bulls are close to fifth in the constructors’ championship. Readers can find more on Lawson’s changing focus within Formula 1.

Damage left Verstappen short of downforce

The incident had an immediate cost for both teams: the debris forced the session to stop, and Verstappen said a bargeboard on his car had been broken. He noted that the damage reduced downforce for the remainder of the session.

When running resumed, Verstappen finished fifth fastest, with Lawson in ninth. The practice results came after the interruption and the repairs required following their contact.

Lawson’s position at the team has also drawn attention in coverage of how the Racing Bulls pairing is progressing; see the latest on his partnership with Arvid Lindblad. For now, the Mexico practice clash has added a stewards’ inquiry to an already difficult weekend for the New Zealander, while Verstappen has made clear he felt Lawson’s response on track was unnecessary.