Nicole MulderManaging Editor
Nicole Mulder is Managing Editor at GPblog and a specialist in Formula 1 and MotoGP. With years of experience and permanent FIA accreditation at Grands Prix worldwide, she delivers reliable coverage and insights based on direct access to drivers and the F1 paddock.
Max Verstappen regrets that it was Liam Lawson he collided with during FP2 in Mexico. The Dutchman says he has always spoken positively about the Racing Bulls driver within Red Bull Racing. With Lawson now fighting for his future in Formula 1, Verstappen has a clear message for him.
Verstappen and Lawson were both given a one-place grid penalty and a penalty point on their licences for their clash during the second free practice session, in which the two F1 drivers made contact. Both admitted to the stewards that the incident was unnecessary and ill-judged. Asked how he views it now, Verstappen once again refers to the position Lawson is in.
“Look, you’re fighting for your seat. So you shouldn't pick a fight, especially with me”, he tells Viaplay. “I’ve always supported him. I get on with him really well. And I’ve always spoken very positively about him within the team, too. Because, of course, what happened to him last year was pretty awful. So, yes, I’m really disappointed that something like this happened.”
Verstappen on Lawson: ‘I'm not going to be forced off the track’
Lawson had to give up his seat at Red Bull last year after two race weekends and returned to Racing Bulls. Verstappen says he continued to support him, but still believes the New Zealander went too far during practice in Mexico.
ADVERTISEMENT
“I’m really not a difficult person. Look, when I put my helmet on, I of course try to get the most out of it, but not during practice”, the four-time world champion continues. “That said, I’m not going to let someone force me off the track. That’s not going to happen to me.”
Verstappen overtook Lawson on an out-lap at Turn 12. The Racing Bulls driver then tried to get back past, and the two made contact. Verstappen’s car was damaged, and debris on the track forced the session to be stopped.
Verstappen expects respect for Red Bull ‘A-team’
Verstappen also takes into account that Lawson drives for the sister team. He started out at Toro Rosso, the predecessor to Racing Bulls, and says he did not treat Red Bull’s drivers that way himself back then.
“Especially when you’re part of the same family, you’re always taught to show the A-team a great deal of respect. I didn’t do that when I was at Toro Rosso, either”, Verstappen says. “You don’t go forcing the Red Bull drivers off the track. You just don’t do that. Think logically about the situation you’re in.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Don’t miss GPblog in Google
Mark us as a preferred source and our articles will appear more often at the top of Top Stories.
Add as a preferred / source on Google