Verstappen, Lawson handed grid penalties for Mexico City Grand Prix

By Halis Sunnetci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Formula 1 drivers Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson were each handed a one-place grid penalty for Sunday’s Mexico City Grand Prix following a collision during Friday’s second practice session, the FIA announced Saturday.

The Red Bull and Racing Bulls drivers also received one penalty point each on their superlicenses after stewards described their actions as “unacceptable.”

The incident occurred between Turns 12 and 14 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, where Verstappen attempted to pass Lawson before the pair made contact, damaging both cars and bringing out a red flag to clear debris from the track.

According to the FIA, Verstappen was on a preparation lap, while Lawson was completing a cool-down lap ahead of another fast lap.

“The drivers of both cars behaved in a manner that was considered unacceptable by the Stewards, particularly in view of the warning that had been given at the Team Managers meeting earlier this day,” the FIA said in its decision.

“Both drivers admitted the moves were unnecessary and ‘clumsy’,” it added.

The stewards said they decided to impose grid penalties rather than formal warnings because of similar incidents earlier in the season and a warning issued to teams before Friday’s practice.

The penalties mean both drivers will drop one position from their qualifying results on the starting grid for Sunday’s race.

Verstappen finished fifth in Friday’s second practice session, while Lawson placed ninth.

Halis Sünnetci