Verstappen and Lawson penalized after Mexico practice clash

Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson each received a one-place grid penalty for contact during second practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix. The pair clashed while contesting position through the track’s final-sector stadium turns, damaging both cars and scattering debris that briefly halted the session under a red flag. Stewards said their actions were unacceptable, particularly after teams had been warned earlier that day about similar incidents, and noted that both drivers described their moves as unnecessary and clumsy. Verstappen criticized Lawson’s judgment, while Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane called the collision unnecessary for both drivers. The incident came as Lawson’s future with Racing Bulls remains unsettled.