Liam Lawson Apologizes to Max Verstappen After Mexico GP Practice Clash

Liam Lawson has taken the diplomatic route with Max Verstappen after their on-track run-in during Free Practice 2 at the Mexico City Grand Prix. The encounter, which saw Verstappen attempting to pass Lawson in the final sector, ended in contact, a red flag, and both drivers receiving a one-place grid penalty.

Verstappen criticized the move as "not very smart" for Lawson, especially considering his uncertain future within the Red Bull ranks. Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane described the incident as "unnecessary," noting that neither driver was willing to back down before starting a flying lap.

Lawson has since approached Verstappen to offer his apologies, acknowledging the error. "Obviously it’s not ideal, and it’s something that should never happen in practice," Lawson admitted post-qualifying. "I went to see Max this morning to apologise because, obviously, it was never my intention to make contact, and for both of us it’s not good. I’ll learn from it going forward, and obviously tomorrow is a long race. Hopefully we can make the most of it."

Verstappen, meanwhile, suggested that Lawson's actions were ill-advised, particularly given his fight for a seat next season: "[If] I would be him, I would act a little bit smarter. Also, when you’re fighting for your seat, it’s not very smart behaviour." Despite these comments, Lawson hopes the matter can be settled. "When you come in from a [media] session and there’s adrenaline, ultimately only Max knows how he feels," he noted.

For Sunday's race, Verstappen will start from the third row, having chosen not to complete his final lap in Q3, leaving him fifth on the grid. Lawson managed to reach Q3 as well, qualifying eighth but starting ninth behind his Racing Bulls teammate, Arvid Lindblad.