Verstappen, Lawson clash in Mexico City practice
NXTbets Pro | Published On: October 31, 2026
The clash
Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson collided in Free Practice 2 ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix, then both ended the session inside the top 10 after a brief red flag and damage to each car. The contact came in the stadium section of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez after both drivers had missed FP1. The crash scattered debris across the circuit and brought out a brief red flag. Verstappen finished fifth in FP2 and Lawson finished ninth, then both were referred to the stewards after the session.
Verstappen blames Lawson
Verstappen took a direct view of the clash. He said Lawson’s move was “not very smart behaviour” and unnecessary because both drivers were trying to make up for missed FP1 running. Verstappen said he was on a fast lap after problems with his car when Lawson was moving slowly ahead of him, then sped up as Verstappen approached. He added that Lawson should “act a little bit smarter” because he was “fighting for your seat.” Verstappen said the contact damaged his Red Bull and left him with bargeboard damage and a loss of downforce. He said the incident would not change his own weekend. Lawson, meanwhile, said over the radio that Verstappen had driven into him. The exchange turned a practice session into one of the weekend’s early flashpoints, with both drivers still facing the stewards after the dust settled.
Racing Bulls and Lawson future
Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane called the clash unnecessary and said both drivers could have done better. He also said the collision would not affect Lawson’s future with Racing Bulls. Lawson’s place at Racing Bulls remained uncertain, with the team yet to confirm its 2027 driver lineup. Racing Bulls were weighing options that included Arvid Lindblad and Nikola Tsolov. Lawson’s car was also damaged, and he pitted for a new front wing.
