Verstappen Criticizes FIA for Penalty After Lawson Incident
Max Verstappen will begin the Mexico City Grand Prix in fifth position following a controversial penalty for a clash with Liam Lawson. The Red Bull driver has voiced concerns over the FIA's decision, suggesting the penalty is unprecedented and unfair.
Max Verstappen's race weekend in Mexico City took an unexpected turn after a collision with Liam Lawson during the second practice session. The incident prompted the FIA to hand both drivers a one-place grid penalty, moving Verstappen from fourth to fifth on the starting grid for Sunday's Grand Prix. Red Bull team leaders were quick to label the altercation "unacceptable," while Verstappen himself expressed frustration over Lawson's driving choices, suggesting the young New Zealander should have been "smarter" in the heat of battle.
The decision to penalize both drivers caught Verstappen by surprise, particularly as such incidents are typically resolved with a simple warning. The FIA's stewards justified their decision by citing previous discussions with team managers, where the importance of setting a precedent was highlighted. This explanation did little to appease Verstappen, who, speaking to Motorsport, acknowledged a pattern of feeling singled out by the stewards. "No, that doesn’t strike me as strange," he remarked with a hint of resignation. "That’s just the way it is."
Verstappen's critique did not stop there. In a chat with Sky Sports, he accused the FIA of "inventing" new penalties, noting the unprecedented nature of the punishment. "It’s a new one that penalty! We will keep inventing new ones I guess," he quipped, clearly unimpressed by the stewards’ handling of the incident.
As for Lawson, his penalty initially demoted him from eighth to ninth on the grid. However, his situation worsened after he was disqualified from the qualifying session altogether, relegating him to the back of the grid for the start of the race.
With both drivers penalized, the incident has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike. Comments on social media reflect a divided opinion, with some supporting Verstappen's view that the penalties were harsh, while others believe the FIA's decision was justified given the circumstances. As the dust settles, Verstappen and Lawson will have to refocus their efforts on the race ahead, each looking to overcome these setbacks.