Max Verstappen has reiterated his stance on Liam Lawson’s driving conduct following their Free Practice incident at the Mexico City Grand Prix. The comments come as Racing Bulls officially confirmed Lawson’s contract extension for the 2027 Formula 1 season today, November 12, 2026.
The incident occurred during the second free practice session on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Verstappen, on a fast out-lap, attempted to overtake Lawson, who was on a cool-down lap, into Turn 12.
Lawson then tried to regain the position into Turn 13, pushing Verstappen wide. Contact was made as Verstappen went over the Turn 14 kerb, damaging the floors of both cars and scattering debris on the track.
The session was briefly red-flagged. Following an investigation, both drivers received a one-place grid penalty for the Grand Prix. Stewards deemed their actions ‘unacceptable,’ citing a prior warning issued at the team managers’ meeting.
Verstappen was critical of Lawson’s actions immediately after the session. He described the manoeuvre as ‘not very smart behaviour,’ particularly given Lawson’s uncertain position regarding a 2027 race seat.
At the time of the Mexican Grand Prix, Lawson’s future with Racing Bulls was under scrutiny. Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov was considered a potential candidate for the 2027 seat.
Lawson subsequently apologised to Verstappen ahead of the Saturday sessions in Mexico. He acknowledged that the clash was ‘not ideal’ and should not have happened.
During the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend, approximately a week after the Mexico incident, Verstappen confirmed that he and Lawson had discussed the matter. He advised Lawson to impress Red Bull management by avoiding confrontations with the team’s lead driver.
We’ve already discussed everything properly, I won’t add anything more. I think that in general it is fairly clear how everything is going and what the rules are. Ultimately, I think it is also good for him to realise it. I understand that he wants to make a good impression, but do that with someone else.
Today, November 12, 2026, Racing Bulls officially announced that Liam Lawson will remain with the team for the 2027 Formula 1 season. He will continue to partner Arvid Lindblad.
Lawson’s strong performance throughout the 2026 season was a key factor in securing his contract. He has scored points in 15 of the 20 Grands Prix this year and currently sits ninth in the drivers’ standings.
His contributions have been instrumental in Racing Bulls’ current fight for fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship. Lawson also deputised for Isack Hadjar at Red Bull for three races earlier in the season.
Nikola Tsolov, who was a contender for Lawson’s seat, has been confirmed as the third driver for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls for the 2027 season.
This marks Lawson’s return to a confirmed F1 race seat after a brief stint partnering Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing at the start of the 2025 season, from which he was demoted after two races.
