Liam Lawson disqualified from Mexico City Grand Prix qualifying

Liam Lawson secured eighth place in the Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix's qualifying session, but the team announced he would not start the race in that position. The disqualification stems from a breach of the F1 Regulations, specifically Articles C5.12.6 and C5.12.7, which govern energy deployment and power, as well as a required reduction in the MGU-K deployment.

Following the race, representatives from Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, Lawson, F1 single-seater Sporting Director, and FIA technical personnel met with race officials to discuss the issue. Evidence showed Lawson did not lift off the power immediately after the control line at the end of his fastest lap in Q2, causing him to fail to achieve the required "step down" in MGU-K deployment.

Despite VCARB arguing that Lawson did not gain a performance advantage from this non-compliance, the Technical Regulations mandate disqualification for non-compliance, regardless of any performance benefits. The stewards emphasized that these regulations require adherence at all times during an event. Although VCARB admitted to the breach, precedents require the disqualification to be imposed even with mitigating factors.

Lawson must now request to start the race, which will be granted under the "107%" rule. Under F1 Sporting Regulations, since Lawson set a time within 107% of the fastest time during Q1, he will be permitted to start from the back of the starting grid.