News Summary
- Liam Lawson faces possible disqualification from Mexican Grand Prix qualifying after the FIA technical delegate reported a breach involving his Racing Bulls car’s MGU-K.
- The alleged infringement occurred immediately after Lawson completed his fastest Q2 lap, when electrical power demand was reduced more rapidly than permitted.
- Lawson is provisionally ninth on Sunday’s grid, already carrying a one-place penalty from Friday practice. The stewards have not yet announced a verdict on the technical matter.
Liam Lawson could lose his qualifying result for the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix after FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer reported an infringement involving the MGU-K power output of his Racing Bulls during Saturday’s (31) qualifying session. The New Zealander, provisionally ninth on the grid, has been referred to the stewards and faces a possible disqualification if the technical breach results in that sanction.
According to Bauer’s report, the irregularity occurred at 15:47:36 local time, immediately after Lawson crossed the finish line on his fastest lap in Q2.
FIA identifies MGU-K power irregularity on Lawson’s car
The technical delegate identified a breach of Articles C5.12.6 and C5.12.7 of Formula 1’s 2026 Technical Regulations.
The report states that both the driver’s maximum power demand and the ERS-K’s electrical DC power were reduced at rates greater than those permitted.
The matter was subsequently referred to the stewards for consideration.
The referral does not automatically mean Lawson has been disqualified. The stewards must determine the appropriate outcome before any revised qualifying classification can be issued.
Lawson qualified eighth on outright pace but had already received a one-place grid penalty following his collision with Max Verstappen during Friday’s FP2.
That penalty placed him ninth on the provisional starting grid, behind Racing Bulls teammate Arvid Lindblad.
Disqualification could force Racing Bulls into major grid reshuffle
If Lawson is excluded from qualifying, the starting order will need to be revised, potentially promoting drivers who were classified behind him.
The New Zealander’s participation in Sunday’s race would also depend on the stewards’ decision and any authorisation required under the sporting regulations.
Lawson’s latest setback follows an eventful weekend in which Verstappen publicly criticised him after their practice collision.
The Racing Bulls driver has yet to receive a confirmed additional penalty for the MGU-K infringement.
Lewis Hamilton remains on pole after securing his first Ferrari pole position, ahead of George Russell and Charles Leclerc.
Mexican GP 2026 — Revised starting grid
Projeção considerando a desclassificação de Liam Lawson da classificação (DSQ), com Valtteri Bottas mantendo a punição de +50 posições.
| Pos. | Driver | Team / Engine | Time | Gap | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | L. HAMILTON | Ferrari | 1:16.514 | — | — |
| 2 | G. RUSSELL | Mercedes | 1:16.523 | +0.009 | — |
| 3 | C. LECLERC | Ferrari | 1:16.633 | +0.119 | — |
| 4 | A. K. ANTONELLI | Mercedes | 1:16.707 | +0.193 | — |
| 5 | M. VERSTAPPEN | Red Bull RBPT Ford | 1:16.692 | +0.178 | +1 |
| 6 | L. NORRIS | McLaren Mercedes | 1:16.824 | +0.310 | — |
| 7 | I. HADJAR | Red Bull RBPT Ford | 1:16.900 | +0.386 | — |
| 8 | A. LINDBLAD | Racing Bulls RBPT Ford | 1:17.117 | +0.603 | — |
| 9 | P. GASLY | Alpine Mercedes | 1:17.153 | +0.639 | — |
| 10 | N. HÜLKENBERG | Audi | 1:17.306 | +0.792 | — |
| 11 | F. COLAPINTO | Alpine Mercedes | 1:17.640 | +1.126 | — |
| 12 | O. PIASTRI | McLaren Mercedes | 1:17.646 | +1.132 | — |
| 13 | G. BORTOLETO | Audi | 1:17.680 | +1.166 | — |
| 14 | O. BEARMAN | Haas Ferrari | 1:18.083 | +1.569 | — |
| 15 | C. SAINZ | Williams Mercedes | 1:18.885 | +2.371 | — |
| 16 | A. ALBON | Williams Mercedes | 1:18.630 | +2.116 | — |
| 17 | F. ALONSO | Aston Martin Honda | 1:18.908 | +2.394 | — |
| 18 | R. HIRAKAWA | Haas Ferrari | 1:18.958 | +2.444 | — |
| 19 | L. STROLL | Aston Martin Honda | 1:19.072 | +2.558 | — |
| 20 | S. PÉREZ | Cadillac Ferrari | 1:19.105 | +2.591 | — |
| 21 | V. BOTTAS | Cadillac Ferrari | 1:19.852 | +3.338 | +50 |
| DSQ | L. LAWSON | Racing Bulls RBPT Ford | 1:17.029 | +0.515 | DSQ |
GRANDE PRÊMIO is following every session of the Mexican Grand Prix this weekend, with breaking news, full coverage and real-time updates in its Formula 1 section.
