Max Verstappen, Liam Lawson handed F1 Mexico GP grid penalties after practice clash
One of the most remarkable moments of Friday's Formula 1 practice sessions took place in the Foro Sol, otherwise known as the stadium section of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. Max Verstappen tried to overtake Liam Lawson heading towards Turn 12 during the second session of the day, but the Racing Bulls driver defended, leaving both drivers side by side going into the stadium. Verstappen was…
At the 2026 Mexico GP, Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson were each handed one-place grid penalties and a penalty point on their super licences after a clash during practice. The incident occurred at Turn 12, with Verstappen attempting to overtake Lawson, who defended his position. Both drivers ended up side by side at Turn 13, leading to contact as Verstappen went over the kerbs at Turn 14.
Red Bull team principal Alan Permane described the incident as "unnecessary," partly due to the circuit's requirements for tyre optimization. Both drivers apologized during the media conference, acknowledging the moves were "clumsy." The stewards deemed the behavior unacceptable, particularly after warnings issued earlier in the day.
This incident follows a series of contact incidents between drivers during free practice sessions this year, leading to the decision to escalate the penalty from a warning to a grid position penalty.
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