Lawson let Verstappen through in Sao Paulo to aid Red Bull

Liam Lawson told his race engineer that he had chosen to let Max Verstappen pass during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, after the two drivers had clashed in Mexico. Verstappen recovered from 21st on the grid to finish second at Interlagos, while Lawson took seventh.

Lawson had been running second early on but dropped back as the track dried and graining affected his intermediate tyres. After reporting problems on lap 9, he slowed on the Reta Oposto to allow Verstappen through, losing over a second in the process. He confirmed over the radio that the decision was his.

The move follows an incident in Mexico practice, where Lawson refused to yield track position and made contact with Verstappen, leading to a one-place grid penalty for both. Verstappen criticised Lawson's conduct as "not very smart behaviour". Racing Bulls has since announced that Lawson will remain with the team.