Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson have each received a one-place grid penalty for the Mexico City Grand Prix after colliding during Friday's practice session.
Stewards rule both drivers at fault
The FIA stewards determined that both drivers behaved unacceptably during the incident in the stadium section, where their cars made side-on contact while running three corners side by side. Verstappen was on a flying lap while Lawson was on a cool-down lap preparing for another push lap. Both drivers admitted their moves were unnecessary and "clumsy."
Verstappen criticises Lawson's actions
Verstappen accused Lawson of "not very smart behaviour" and attempting to drive him off the track at the hairpin. The four-time champion said Lawson's actions were unwise given the New Zealander is fighting for a Racing Bulls seat next season. Lawson is one of three drivers vying for two spots at Red Bull's junior team alongside Arvid Lindblad and Formula 2 front-runner Nikola Tsolov.
Team principal calls incident unnecessary
Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane described the clash as "unnecessary" for both drivers and said they can both do better.
Practice pace and championship implications
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc topped the practice timesheets ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris and Mercedes' George Russell. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, who is on the verge of securing his first world title on Sunday, was fourth fastest. Antonelli needs only a ninth-place finish if Russell wins or tenth if Lewis Hamilton wins to clinch the championship. Hamilton suffered a technical issue and ended the session 11th overall.
Among the rookies participating, Cadillac's Colton Herta remains one point short of the superlicence required to race in Formula 1 and will need an additional practice session this season.
