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Qualifying Disqualification in Mexico
Liam Lawson was disqualified from the qualifying results of the Mexico City Grand Prix on Saturday, October 31. The decision was taken by the FIA stewards following the session, after a technical analysis identified an irregularity in the behaviour of the Racing Bulls car during Q2. Despite the penalty, permission was granted for the driver to contest Sunday's race.
MGU-K Regulatory Infringement
According to the document released by the FIA, the problem occurred at the end of Lawson's fastest lap in Q2. After crossing the control line, the driver did not immediately reduce the car's power delivery, which meant the rate of reduction in MGU-K utilisation did not reach the level specified by Formula 1 technical regulations. The irregularity resulted in the single-seater failing to meet the requirements set out in Articles C5.12.6 and C5.12.7.
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Team Notification and Stewards' Ruling
Racing Bulls acknowledged the violation and explained to the stewards that the car's behaviour had not provided any performance advantage to Lawson. The team also stated that it had itself reported the irregularity to the FIA. Even so, the stewards took the view that the absence of a performance gain does not eliminate the infraction, as cars remain in compliance with the regulations throughout official activity.
Penalty Precedents and Grid Demotion
The stewards highlighted that precedents exist for similar situations, and that in such cases the penalty provided is disqualification from the qualifying results. For this reason, Lawson lost the position he had achieved during the session and will start from the back of the grid.
Clearance for Sunday Race
Despite the disqualification, Lawson was not prevented from taking part in the Mexico City Grand Prix. In a second document published by the stewards, the FIA confirmed that car number 30 is eligible to start Sunday's race, following the procedures set out in the regulations for forming the grid after a penalty.
Grid Outlook for Racing Bulls
The decision changes Lawson's situation for the race without removing the driver from the Mexican round. Racing Bulls will now have to prepare for the race knowing that the New Zealander will have 21 cars ahead of him from the start. On the other side of the garage, Arvid Lindblad continues starting in 8th place.
Related reading: Lawson Apologises to Verstappen After Mexico City Practice Collision.
