Permane says Verstappen and Lawson could both have done better after Mexico clash

Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane said Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson could both have handled their collision in second practice at the Mexico City Grand Prix better. He called it unnecessary and rejected the idea that either driver was trying to pick a fight.

Permane said both were trying to carry speed through the final sector on an out-lap or cool-down lap. At the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, he explained, that helps prepare the tyres for Turn 1 and reduces the risk of front locking; both drivers were vying for the same stretch of track.

Verstappen had suggested it was unwise for Lawson to cross him, pointing to Verstappen's standing within the Red Bull family and Lawson's precarious position in Formula 1. Permane said he expected the two to look back more calmly. At the time, he did not know the stewards' decision; the stewards later penalised both drivers.