Infringement: Car 3 (Verstappen) Turn 14 Incident with Car 30 (Lawson)
Mexico City Grand Prix · 2026 · 30 October 2026 · Doc 33
- Driver
- Max Verstappen
- Team
- Oracle Red Bull Racing
- Session
- Free Practice 2
2026 MEXICO CITY GRAND PRIX
30 October - 01 November
From The Stewards
To The Team Manager,
Oracle Red Bull Racing Document 33 Date 30 October 2026 Time 20:51
The Stewards, having received a report from the Race Director, summoned (documents 23 & 24) and heard from the drivers and team representatives, have considered the following matter and determine the following:
No / Driver 3 - Max Verstappen Competitor Oracle Red Bull Racing Time 16:22 Session Free Practice 2 Fact Cars 3 and 30 engaged in a series of moves on the entry to turn 12 through to the apex of turn 14. Infringement Breach of Appendix L, Chapter IV, Article 2 d) of the FIA International Sporting Code. Decision A drop of one grid position for the next race in which the driver competes. One penalty point is imposed, making a total of 1 for the 12 month period.
Reason The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 3 (Max Verstappen), the driver of Car 30 (Liam Lawson), team representatives and reviewed video evidence. On the approach to turn 12 car 3 was on a preparation lap and car 30 was on a cool down lap preparing for another push lap. The drivers of both cars behaved in a manner that was considered unacceptable by the Stewards particularly in view of the warning that had been given at the Team Managers meeting earlier this day. Both drivers admitted the moves were unnecessary and "clumsy". Noting that there had been similar incidents this year of actions between drivers in Free Practice, the Stewards have decided to escalate the penalty from that of a formal warning to a grid position penalty particularly in view of the warning that had been provided at the Team Managers meeting and consistent with other incidents involving contact between the cars in Free Practice in previous years. Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 5 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits.
Decisions of the Stewards are taken independently of the FIA and are based solely on the relevant regulations, guidelines and evidence presented.