'Not very smart behaviour' – Verstappen reacts to Lawson FP2 incident ahead of Mexico City GP

Max Verstappen has claimed the incident with Liam Lawson during Free Practice 2 ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix was "not very smart behaviour".

Both Verstappen and Lawson were looking to make up for lost time in the second, one-hour session on Friday having missed FP1 with their seats taken by Formula 1 young drivers Ayumu Iwasa and Nikola Tsolov respectively.

The pair were both on a hot lap during the early proceedings of FP2 when Verstappen went for an overtake on the Racing Bulls driver ahead into Turn 12.

Lawson then attempted to re-pass into the following left turn through the stadium section, with Verstappen bouncing over the kerb on the exit and rejoining alongside the New Zealander, damaging his Red Bull's floor in the process.

A red flag was briefly deployed to recover the debris as both drivers continued until the end of the session, with Verstappen P5 and Lawson P9.

"I don't think it's called unlucky," said Verstappen when asked if it was just an unfortunate coming together.

"Maybe not very smart behaviour what he was trying to do there. At the end of the day, it's not going to change my weekend but 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."

Racing Bulls have yet to confirm their line-up for the 2027 season, with Tsolov making his F1 debut this weekend in FP1, finishing just one-tenth slower than Arvid Lindblad and in possible contention for Lawson's seat.

The incident between Verstappen and Lawson will be investigated post-session by the stewards, with Racing Bulls Team Principal Alan Permane critical of both drivers.

"I think one word, just 'unnecessary' in a practice session. Completely unnecessary and I say that to both of them," he said.

"I don't know what Max has said, I haven't heard anything, but I'm sure he's got his opinion and I'm sure Liam has got his opinion but mine is, it's just not needed and they can both do better."