Just In: FIA Confirms Canadian Grand Prix DISQUALIFICATION Ra…read more
FIA Confirms Canadian Grand Prix DISQUALIFICATION Ra…read more
The 2025 Canadian Grand Prix weekend in Montreal took an unexpected turn for Pierre Gasly and Liam Lawson, as both drivers were handed massive grid penalties by the FIA for unauthorized power unit changes. The penalties were so severe that neither driver lined up on the main grid, instead being forced to start the race from the pit lane.
Gasly’s Situation
Alpine’s Pierre Gasly was first to be hit with sanctions after his team replaced two power unit components overnight—the energy store and the control electronics—without prior approval from the FIA. These changes exceeded his allocation for the season, triggering a 20-place grid penalty. According to FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer, any penalty beyond 15 places automatically converts into a pit-lane start under Article 40.9(a) of the 2025 Formula One Sporting Regulations. As a result, Gasly had no choice but to begin his race from the pits, separated from the other 18 drivers.
Lawson’s Hefty Drop
Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson faced an even harsher penalty. His team opted to perform an extensive overhaul of his car’s power unit, replacing nearly every major component. This included his fifth internal combustion engine, turbocharger, and MGU-H, along with a third energy store and control electronics. The combined violations stacked up to an eye-watering 50-place penalty—well beyond the number of available grid slots. Under FIA rules, this too translated to a mandatory start from the pit lane.
Strategic Decisions by the Teams
Both teams appeared to accept these penalties as part of a longer-term strategy. For Alpine, Gasly was already starting near the back of the grid, so swapping components allowed them to optimize the car setup for race conditions. Similarly, Racing Bulls likely saw the overhaul as a necessary reset, ensuring Lawson has fresh power unit components available for the upcoming races.
The Bigger Picture
While penalties of this magnitude are rare, they highlight the strict enforcement of Formula 1’s technical regulations. The sport limits the number of power unit components a driver can use in a season to control costs and ensure reliability. Any breach—no matter the reason—results in severe grid penalties. The pit-lane start rule, applied when penalties exceed 15 places, is designed to simplify grid management and maintain fairness.
Conclusion
The Canadian Grand Prix showcased how delicate the balance is between performance, reliability, and regulatory compliance in Formula 1. Both Gasly and Lawson paid the price for their teams’ strategic decisions, starting the race from the pit lane. While the penalties were harsh, they may benefit both teams in the long term by giving their drivers fresher, more reliable machinery for the demanding races ahead.
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