Verstappen criticises Lawson after collision in Mexican Grand Prix practice

The collision and Verstappen's reaction

Max Verstappen spoke harshly about his Red Bull stablemate Liam Lawson after a collision in Friday's second practice for the Mexican Grand Prix, AFP reports. The drivers fought for position at the entrance to the Foro Sol section, the contact damaged the bodywork of the four-time champion's car, and debris forced the session to be red-flagged so the track could be cleared. 'It wasn't a mistake. It was just not very smart of him in what he was trying to do there. But it won't change my weekend,' said Verstappen, adding: 'I think it's just not very smart when you're fighting for your seat.' Lawson himself finished the session ninth, Verstappen fifth.

Context: Lawson is fighting for his seat

Verstappen's criticism came amid uncertainty over Lawson's future: this week the New Zealander admitted he does not know whether he will keep his seat at Racing Bulls — Red Bull's junior satellite team — for next season, despite a strong year that included three races for the main Red Bull team while Isack Hadjar was injured. According to AFP, Racing Bulls may promote young Red Bull driver Nikola Tsolov, who on Friday became the first Bulgarian driver to take part in an official Formula 1 practice session, driving in the first session. Lawson, ninth in the drivers' standings with 77 points against the 38 of rookie teammate Arvid Lindblad, told journalists on Thursday that he tries 'not to think too much about seat decisions': 'Last year I thought about it too much, so this year I'm trying, with a different mindset, to score as many points as possible.' His results have helped Racing Bulls run fifth in the constructors' standings behind the big four of Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren.

Session results and the championship intrigue

The fastest in second practice was Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, ahead of world champion Lando Norris of McLaren. Kimi Antonelli set the fourth-fastest time and, according to AFP, could become the youngest champion in the sport's history on Sunday if he finishes in the top 9. Between Antonelli and Lawson in the final classification was George Russell of Mercedes. Verstappen, a five-time winner of the race in Mexico, was unhappy with the result but noted: 'We're not too far off, we just need a bit of fine-tuning. There's little grip here for everyone, but that's the same for everyone.'