Lawson disqualified from Mexico City GP qualifying over MGU-K breach
Summary
Liam Lawson is disqualified from Mexico City GP qualifying after his Racing Bulls failed the required MGU-K deployment step-down. He drops from eighth to the back of the grid despite the team self-reporting it.
Liam Lawson has been disqualified from Mexico City Grand Prix qualifying after the FIA found his Racing Bulls did not comply with the required MGU-K deployment step-down. He had qualified eighth and was due to start ninth but will now start from the rear.
Why it matters:
The penalty costs Racing Bulls a strong grid slot and removes one of 2026's standout midfield qualifiers from the fight. It also shows technical compliance is enforced even when a team self-reports and no gain is found.
The details:
- Stewards found that after the control line on Lawson's fastest Q2 lap, he did not lift immediately, so the required MGU-K deployment step-down was not achieved.
- Racing Bulls self-disclosed the breach. The team argued no advantage was gained, but stewards said that does not excuse non-compliance; cars must comply at all times.
- Lawson was eighth in Q3 and set to start ninth after a one-place penalty for FP2 contact with Max Verstappen. Both got one-place penalties and a super licence point.
- It caps a turbulent weekend, with Lawson's future still uncertain and no announcement yet on whether he stays next season.
What's next:
Lawson faces a recovery drive from the back as the midfield order shifts ahead. For a standout 2026 performer, it is another test in an unsettled season.
Original Article :https://www.planetf1.com/news/liam-lawson-fia-disqualified-mexico-gp-qualifying