Mekies calls Verstappen-Lawson practice collision unnecessary

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies called the collision between Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson during Friday’s second practice at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez unnecessary. Speaking to Sky Germany, he said neither driver was on a fast lap. The FIA stewards gave Verstappen and Lawson a one-place grid penalty apiece for the race and a penalty point apiece, citing a warning issued earlier that day at the team-managers’ meeting and describing their behaviour as unacceptable.

The contact unfolded in the Foro Sol section of the circuit: Verstappen went down the inside at Turn 12, Lawson resisted at Turn 13, then Verstappen ran over the kerb at Turn 14 and made side contact with Lawson’s car. Verstappen’s floor and bargeboard were damaged, as was Lawson’s front wing.

Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane also called the incident unnecessary, making clear his criticism covered both drivers. Verstappen had said Lawson’s response was not very smart, particularly if he was fighting for his seat. Asked about that comment by RacingNews365, Permane said he had not heard it and that both drivers could do better.