Racing Bulls Use Lawson’s Mexico City Disqualification to Reset Power Unit

Liam Lawson’s Mexico City Grand Prix weekend took another sharp turn after his qualifying disqualification led Racing Bulls to fit a fresh power unit and send the New Zealander to the pit lane for the race. The team used the mandatory setback to reset his component allocation rather than simply accept a rear-of-grid start.

Why it matters:

The decision turns a technical breach into a strategic opportunity. With Lawson already removed from his eighth-place qualifying result, Racing Bulls could install fresh components without sacrificing a strong grid position — and potentially reduce the risk of future engine-related penalties.

The details:

• Lawson’s VCARB 03 was found in breach of the minimum MGU-K power requirement just after he crossed the line on his fastest Q2 lap at 15:47:36.
• He had qualified eighth but was due to start ninth after a one-place penalty for his FP2 clash with Max Verstappen.
• Racing Bulls fitted a new internal combustion engine, turbocharger, exhaust set and ancillary component, all exceeding the permitted season allocation.
• The team also changed the suspension set-up, meaning Lawson will start from the pit lane.

What’s next:

Lawson now faces a recovery drive through the field at the high-altitude circuit. The fresh hardware may give Racing Bulls more strategic freedom, but the pit-lane start leaves him with plenty of work to do.