Max Verstappen voiced his criticism following a collision with Liam Lawson during Free Practice 2 ahead of the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix. The incident occurred while both drivers were on hot laps, with Verstappen attempting an overtake at Turn 12 and Lawson responding by trying to re-pass in the stadium section.
The clash resulted in Verstappen’s car sustaining floor damage after it bounced over the kerb and rejoined alongside Lawson. The session was briefly interrupted by a red flag to clear debris from the track. Verstappen ended FP2 in fifth position, while Lawson finished ninth.
Verstappen described Lawson’s move as “not very smart behaviour” and suggested that the Racing Bulls driver should have acted more cautiously, especially considering his uncertain seat situation for the 2027 season. Racing Bulls have yet to confirm their driver lineup for next year, with Nikola Tsolov making his Formula 1® debut in FP1 this weekend and being a contender for Lawson’s seat.
Racing Bulls Team Principal Alan Permane also weighed in on the incident, calling it “unnecessary” and criticizing both drivers for their actions during a practice session. The stewards are currently investigating the collision as part of their post-session review.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by younger drivers like Lawson and Tsolov as they navigate the pressures of securing a seat in Formula 1®. Verstappen’s comments underline the importance of measured decision-making on track, even during practice sessions where the stakes may seem lower but the risks remain significant.
With the stewards’ investigation ongoing, no official ruling or penalty has been announced. The situation remains a point of discussion within the paddock, reflecting the competitive environment surrounding driver placements and team strategies ahead of the 2027 season.
This episode at the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend serves as a reminder of the fine margins in Formula 1® and the need for clear communication and respect among drivers, particularly in high-speed, close-quarters situations during practice sessions.