Brundle: Red Bull would be ‘pathetic’ if Verstappen clash cost Lawson his Racing Bulls seat

Speaking to Sky F1, Martin Brundle said Red Bull would be “pathetic” if the Mexico City Grand Prix practice clash between Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson played any part in Lawson losing his Racing Bulls seat for 2027.

Lawson's future remains unresolved: team principal Alan Permane said Racing Bulls was weighing him against junior prospects Arvid Lindblad and Nikola Tsolov for its two race seats. Tsolov was understood to be the front-runner to replace Lawson if he were dropped.

The two collided during FP2 at the Mexico City Grand Prix while trying to make up lost track time after rookies Ayumu Iwasa and Nikola Tsolov drove in the opening session. FIA stewards judged them equally at fault, handing each a one-place grid penalty and a penalty point on his superlicence.

Brundle also recalled that Benetton dropped him in favour of Riccardo Patrese at the end of 1992, despite often matching Michael Schumacher's pace in 1992. He said commercial and political considerations, as well as long-term planning, can shape driver decisions. Brundle praised Lawson's work for Racing Bulls, saying he had done a “tremendous job” for the team.