FIA confirm 70-PLACE grid penalty ruling at Canadian Grand Prix

Montreal, Canada — The FIA has confirmed a massive 70-place grid penalty ruling ahead of the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix, penalizing drivers Pierre Gasly and Liam Lawson for multiple power unit and setup changes that violated Formula 1’s strict technical regulations.

The penalties were issued after both drivers’ cars underwent substantial component changes under parc fermé conditions. Gasly received a 20-place grid drop after his Alpine had its energy store and control electronics replaced. Lawson, stepping in at RB, was handed a 50-place grid penalty for changes to five major power unit components, including the internal combustion engine, turbocharger, MGU-H, energy store, and control electronics.

Due to the extent of the changes and the fact that they occurred under parc fermé, both drivers were automatically required to start the race from the pit lane, as per Article 40.9 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations. The FIA stated that these changes were made “without the approval of the FIA technical delegate,” necessitating the penalties.

“These component replacements and setup modifications trigger automatic pit-lane starts,” FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer confirmed in an official report. “The teams were informed accordingly.”

Although the combined grid penalties totaled 70 places, current F1 rules cap practical grid drops at 15 places, meaning that any further penalties result in a pit-lane start rather than additional grid demotions.

The decision had no direct effect on the front runners, but it did elevate other drivers further up the starting order, reshaping the midfield battle ahead of Sunday’s race. Ultimately, both Gasly and Lawson started from the pit lane, facing a significant challenge in navigating the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

This latest penalty highlights the FIA’s continuing enforcement of power unit limitations and setup rules, reinforcing the strict cost-control and reliability measures embedded in modern Formula 1.

The 2025 Canadian Grand Prix concluded with Mercedes’ George Russell taking a dominant win, followed by teammate Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull’s

Max Verstappen.