Max Verstappen has refused to back down in his criticism of Liam Lawson following their on-track spat in second practice for the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Verstappen and Lawson both found themselves in front of the stewards at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez after the session and handed one-place grid penalties for a collision described as "unacceptable".
Both drivers suffered damage to their cars, with four-time F1 champion Verstappen losing a piece of the bargeboard on his RB22, whilst Lawson sustained front-wing damage to his Racing Bulls as they came together in the stadium complex after running wheel-to-wheel in the build-up.
Immediately after the incident, Verstappen turned on Lawson, pointing an accusing finger, stating that, "For me, it's just not very smart behaviour."
Speaking to Viaplay after the final practice session, Verstappen still felt disappointed in the New Zealander, even though both were deemed at fault by the stewards.
"Look, you’re fighting for your seat, so you definitely shouldn’t be picking a fight with me,” said Verstappen.
"I’ve always supported him. I get along with him very well, and I’ve always spoken very positively about him within the team."
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Verstappen to Lawson - 'Just think logically'
Referring to what happened to Lawson last year when he was demoted to Racing Bulls after just two grands prix as Verstappen's team-mate at Red Bull, Verstappen added: "Of course, it sucked for him last year.
"I think it’s really unfortunate when something like that happens. I’m really not a difficult person.
"When I put on my helmet, I always try to get the most out of it, but not in practice
"I just won’t let anyone push me off the track. That doesn’t happen to me."
Verstappen claims he has learned important lessons at Red Bull that drivers in the 'sister' team should also heed.
"When you are in the same family, you're always taught that you have to have a lot of respect for the A-team," he said.
"I didn't do this at Toro Rosso [what Lawson did]. You don't go driving the Red Bull drivers off the track; you just don't do that."
Offering Lawson a piece of advice, he concluded: "Just think logically about the situation you are in."
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