Liam Lawson disqualified from F1 qualifying in Mexico – here's why

Liam Lawson has been stripped of his ninth-place starting position for the Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix. The New Zealander's team, Racing Bulls, secured both cars in Q3 during practice. However, Lawson now faces a challenging Sunday, as he will start from the back of the grid after being disqualified by the FIA. The reason for his disqualification was a technical infringement involving the minimum MGU-K power requirement.

According to the summon document, Lawson was in breach of the minimum power requirement just after crossing the line during his fastest lap in Q2. The technical regulations stipulate that the electrical power must be reduced gradually, with a maximum reduction of either 50 or 100kW per second, depending on the competition. Lawson failed to comply with this requirement as he did not lift off the throttle immediately after completing his fastest lap.

The disqualification is a setback for Racing Bulls, but the team argues that the infringement did not provide any performance advantage. Nonetheless, the regulations require that a car must comply with them at all times during an event, and Lawson's non-compliance led to his disqualification. The outcome is a favorable one for Alpine, as one of its rivals for fifth place in the constructors' championship now starts from the back of the grid.