F1 NEWS: FIA Confirms Late CHANGE to Saudi GP Result After PENALTY for Red Bull Star…read more

F1 NEWS: FIA Confirms Late CHANGE to Saudi GP Result After PENALTY and S…read more

In a post-race shakeup to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the FIA has officially confirmed a late adjustment to the final classification after handing Liam Lawson a 10-second time penalty. The decision, made hours after the chequered flag, has changed the finishing order and had a small but notable impact on the distribution of points.

Lawson, who had originally crossed the line in a solid midfield position, was penalized following a review of an incident that breached a specific clause in the FIA Sporting Regulations. While the governing body has yet to release a full breakdown of the infraction, sources suggest it relates to improper track re-entry or failing to follow race procedure under specific conditions—such as during a Safety Car period or yellow flag.

The 10-second time addition dropped Lawson down the order, allowing drivers behind him to gain places in the final results. Though the change did not affect the podium finishers, it did alter the points-scoring positions for several midfield teams—potentially affecting early championship dynamics in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ standings.

The FIA confirmed the revised results late Sunday evening, releasing an updated race classification to reflect the penalty. The announcement follows a weekend already filled with controversy and debate, most notably regarding the five-second penalty handed to Max Verstappen for gaining an advantage off-track on the opening lap against Oscar Piastri.

Red Bull’s Helmut Marko and Christian Horner both voiced frustration over what they described as inconsistent stewarding, and the Lawson incident has added another layer to the ongoing conversation about transparency and consistency in FIA decisions.

The late application of penalties has reignited calls from teams and fans for quicker and clearer rulings during race weekends. With the F1 season still in its early stages, these kinds of marginal but impactful decisions are likely to play a crucial role in the title fight and the development of intra-team battles throughout the grid.

Further analysis and team responses are expected in the coming days as the paddock turns its attention to the next round of the championship.