Verstappen and Lawson get grid drops after ‘clumsy’ clash

Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson have been handed one-place grid penalties and a penalty point each for a collision during the second practice session at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. The incident occurred when Verstappen attempted to pass Lawson into Turn 12, followed by a clumsy retaliation through the stadium section that resulted in floor damage for the Red Bull and a broken front wing for the Racing Bulls. Stewards deemed the drivers' actions unacceptable, noting they ignored prior warnings given during the team managers' meeting regarding practice session conduct. Both drivers admitted their moves were unnecessary, while Racing Bulls team boss Alan Permane also criticized the clash as completely unneeded.