F1, Mexico: collision in free practice, Verstappen and Lawson penalized on the grid

Sparks in free practice for the Mexican Formula 1 Grand Prix. The Dutch Max Verstappen on Red Bull Racing and the New Zealander Liam Lawson on Racing Bulls have, in fact, received a penalty on the starting grid following a collision recorded during the second free practice session.

"The drivers of both cars engaged in behavior deemed unacceptable by the stewards, especially as a warning had already been issued during the team principals' meeting, held earlier in the day. Both drivers recognized that their actions were unjustified and clumsy", reported the race stewards in the report which released the account of their decision. "Given that similar incidents had already occurred during free practice during the season, the stewards decided to toughen the (usually foreseen) sanction, going from a simple formal warning to a starting grid penalty," it was explained.

The collision in the second free practice

Based on what happened during the second free practice session of the Mexican GP, therefore, a contact occurred between Verstappen and Lawson, a moment in which neither of the two drivers was willing to give way to their opponent. Both cars suffered damage and the red flag was displayed to allow the removal of the carbon fiber debris scattered on the track, at the exit of the chicane located at the foot of the Foro Sol stands.

The results of the tests

After the first free practices, meanwhile, Charles Leclerc's Ferrari also dominated the second ones in view of the Formula 1 Mexican Grand Prix. The Monegasque stopped the time at 1'17''827 ahead of Lando Norris' MacLaren (+0''103) and George Russell's Mercedes (+0''106). Fourth time for World Championship leader Kimi Antonelli (+0''217) ahead of Max Verstappen's Red Bull (+0''311). Problems for Lewis Hamilton, forced to stop with 30' to go with his Ferrari: eleventh fastest for the Englishman.

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