Sky F1 pundit Martin Brundle has criticised the suggestion that Liam Lawson’s collision with Max Verstappen in Mexico could impact his Racing Bulls future. Brundle stated it would be “pathetic” and “childish” if the incident influenced Lawson’s contract negotiations. Lawson and Verstappen received one-place grid penalties for their practice collision at the Mexican Grand Prix.
Lawson’s contract for the 2027 Formula 1 season remains unconfirmed by Racing Bulls. The team’s CEO, Peter Bayer, and Team Principal, Alan Permane, are responsible for the final decision. Lawson has scored 69 points for Racing Bulls this season, with Arvid Lindblad contributing 38 points.
Racing Bulls recently announced a long-term contract extension for Team Principal Alan Permane, securing his position until the end of 2031. Permane was promoted to Team Principal in July 2025. This followed Laurent Mekies’ move to Red Bull Racing as Team Principal in July 2025, replacing Christian Horner.
The Faenza-based team currently holds fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship. This position would mark their best-ever finish in the standings. Racing Bulls holds a 39-point advantage over Alpine with four race weekends remaining.
Meanwhile, Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were involved in an opening-lap incident at the Mexican Grand Prix. Leclerc received a five-second time penalty for leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage during their battle.
Hamilton expressed frustration, believing the penalty should have been 10 seconds and that the incident cost Ferrari a potential one-two finish. Leclerc conceded that the penalty was deserved. Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, stated that the team’s guidelines for on-track battles between the pair remain unchanged.
At the Brazilian Grand Prix, George Russell will incur a five-place grid penalty. This is due to the installation of a sixth internal combustion engine for his Mercedes car. This marks Russell’s second grid penalty in four races.
Mercedes is in a position to secure the 2026 Constructors’ Championship this weekend in Brazil. The team needs to outscore Ferrari by at least three points at Interlagos to clinch the title. Kimi Antonelli secured the Drivers’ Championship for Mercedes last weekend in Mexico.
Lewis Hamilton will achieve a significant career milestone at the Brazilian Grand Prix. He is set to make his 400th Grand Prix start, joining Fernando Alonso in this exclusive group of drivers. Hamilton holds records for 106 race victories and 105 pole positions.
In Friday’s Free Practice 1 at Interlagos, Cadillac test driver Colton Herta avoided further action from the FIA stewards. He was noted for an alleged red flag infringement but no penalty was issued. Herta completed 31 laps, securing the necessary mileage for an F1 Super License.
During Free Practice 2, Charles Leclerc encountered Haas debutant Rafael Camara, who was moving slowly on track. Leclerc was forced to take evasive action, running off the circuit. The stewards investigated the incident and issued Camara a reprimand for unnecessarily impeding Leclerc. The situation was deemed “clearly dangerous” by the stewards.
