Liam Lawson qualified eighth for Sunday’s Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix, but he will have to start from the back of the grid instead.
Stewards found that Lawson’s car did not comply with Articles C5.12.6 and C5.12.7 of the technical regulations, which cover energy deployment and power output, including the required reduction in MGU-K deployment.
After qualifying, representatives from Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, Lawson, the F1 single-seater Sporting Director and members of the FIA technical team met with the stewards. Evidence showed that after crossing the control line at the end of his fastest Q2 lap, Lawson did not immediately lift off the power. As a result, the required reduction in MGU-K deployment was not achieved.
Racing Bulls argued that Lawson gained no performance advantage by staying on the throttle. The regulations, however, do not allow an exception on that basis. The stewards also emphasized that cars must comply with the rules throughout an event.
The team disclosed the breach itself, and the stewards considered that as a mitigating factor. Still, they said previous decisions called for disqualification in these circumstances.
Lawson must now ask the stewards for permission to race. He is expected to be allowed to start under the sport’s 107% rule: he set a satisfactory time within 107% of the fastest Q1 time during practice, so he can take part, starting from the back of the grid.
