BREAKING: LAW & DISORDER: Liam Lawson Hit with Brutal 50-Place Grid Penalty Ahead of Canadian Grand Prix P… Read more
LAW & DISORDER: Liam Lawson Hit with Brutal 50-Place Grid Penalty Ahead of Canadian Grand Prix Pit Lane Start Confirmed
Liam Lawson has been handed a staggering 50-place grid penalty for breaching Formula 1 protocol ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix a punishment so severe it has forced him to start the race from the pit lane.
The Racing Bulls driver incurred the penalty after his team made unauthorized changes to several key power unit components during parc fermé conditions, including the internal combustion engine, turbocharger, MGU-H, and control electronics — all without approval from the FIA. These infractions, each carrying a 10-place grid drop, quickly added up to the massive 50-place sanction.
Because the Formula 1 grid only has 20 cars, a 50-place drop is symbolic — the rules automatically require any driver with excessive penalties or parc fermé violations to start from the pit lane. It’s a major setback for Lawson, who had already qualified near the back and now faces a tougher challenge to fight through the pack in Sunday’s race.
But Lawson isn’t the only driver affected. Pierre Gasly of Alpine also received a pit lane start penalty for his own car modifications post-qualifying, further shaking up the starting order.
This penalty marks one of the most extreme grid drops in recent memory and has sparked widespread reaction from fans, with many joking that Lawson might as well start “from another country.”
Despite the penalty, Lawson remains focused on damage limitation and a possible strategic fightback on race day. However, it’s clear the rookie driver now faces an uphill battle in Montreal.
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