Liam Lawson Will Not Start the Race After Technical Breach

Liam Lawson has been cited for a technical breach during the Mexico City Grand Prix qualifying session. Officials cited his failure to meet specific requirements under the F1 Technical Regulations.

The breach involved Lawson not lifting off the power immediately at the end of his lap, which prevented the required reduction of MGU-K deployment. This violated Articles C5.12.6 and C5.12.7 of the regulations.

A representative from Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, along with Lawson and the FIA Technical Delegate, met with race officials. Evidence showed that the rate of reduction in MGU-K deployment was not achieved as mandated.

Despite VCARB’s claim that Lawson did not gain a performance advantage, the Technical Regulations do not excuse non-compliance if no performance advantage is gained. The regulations require full compliance at all times during an event.

Although VCARB self-disclosed the breach, precedents dictate that disqualification remains mandatory. Lawson will now submit a request to the stewards to start the race, which will be granted under the sport’s 107% rule.

Lawson set a satisfactory time within 107% of the fastest time during Q1 earlier in the week during practice, so he will be permitted to start from the back of the grid, as per the F1 Sporting Regulations.