Did you see Verstappen drop a grid spot after a practice bump? The Dutch champion qualified fourth in Mexico City, but a contact with teammate Liam Lawson in FP2 forced him onto the third row.
In Friday’s media session, Verstappen admitted he couldn’t read Lawson’s mind and called the move ‘far from smart’ for a driver still fighting his 2027 seat.
At first the incident seemed minor, making the later three‑place penalty all the more unexpected.
‘How do I view the sanction? It’s like any sport—decisions can be debated,’ Verstappen said. ‘I’ve said my piece, both publicly and behind closed doors.’
One line in the stewards’ note caught attention: normally such a clash earns a warning, yet they chose to make an example this time. For my money, the penalty was excessive.
The reasoning stemmed from discussions at the team managers’ meeting and previous practice incidents, prompting the stewards to clamp down.
When asked if he was surprised by being used as a deterrent, he replied in the Dutch paddock interview: ‘No, it’s happened before with other cases. That’s just how it is. If they deem it punishable, it is.’
On being singled out, the Dutchman shrugged, ‘I won’t comment much. It is what it is.’
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Lawson apologises to Verstappen
Saturday morning saw Verstappen sit down with Lawson, and according to the Kiwi they managed to clear the air.
Lawson said the contact was ‘never ideal’ and that he visited Max to apologise, stressing it was unintentional and that he’ll learn from it.
When asked if Verstappen’s Friday remarks surprised him, the New Zealander answered, ‘All sorted now. I missed the media yesterday, but fresh from the session adrenaline still runs high.’
‘Only Max knows his feelings, but I never meant to touch him, so apologies again,’ he added.
A highlight of the Dutch media session was Verstappen being asked who deserves the 2027 Racing Bulls seat – Lawson or Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov?
Even without yesterday’s tension, Verstappen stopped short of picking a clear favourite.
‘It’s tricky when several talented drivers emerge and one hits form,’ he noted. ‘Will the team give that driver a chance? That’s for them to decide.’
Pressing for his view, Verstappen said, ‘I have an opinion, but I’ll keep it to myself.’
Lawson remains in limbo after qualifying. He said, ‘Formula 1 is tough; I’m focused on delivering points each race, but the future decision isn’t mine.’
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– The Team