Liam Lawson has been disqualified from Formula 1 qualifying for the Mexico City Grand Prix after a technical infringement involving the MGU-K power unit. Racing Bulls had impressed in Q3, securing eighth and ninth places, but Lawson’s ninth-place start is now void. The FIA ruled that Lawson failed to comply with the mandatory MGU-K rampdown rate after crossing the finish line on his fastest Q2 lap.
Instead of reducing power gradually as required by Article C5.12.6, the MGU-K output dropped instantly from 350kW to zero due to insufficient battery power. The stewards confirmed the breach, noting that Lawson did not lift off the throttle immediately post-line, violating the regulation’s step-down requirement. Although Racing Bulls self-disclosed and gained no sporting advantage, the FIA enforced disqualification, citing precedents and the strict nature of technical rules.
The incident follows earlier warnings to teams like Mercedes and Red Bull over similar rampdown tactics. Lawson will start from the back of the grid, facing a challenging recovery drive. The disqualification also benefits Alpine in the constructors’ championship race.
Source: Autosport F1 News · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing