Liam Lawson faces disqualification after qualifying in Mexico
Saturday 31 October 2026 · 5 outlets · 9 reports · updated In this story Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls, Red Bull Racing, Max Verstappen, Arvid Lindblad, Lewis Hamilton
New Zealander Liam Lawson faces potential disqualification following a technical infraction during qualifying for the Mexican Grand Prix. Lawson previously qualified eighth but will start ninth due to a one-place grid penalty received after a practice collision with Max Verstappen.
Key facts
4 facts
- Liam Lawson and Max Verstappen received one-place grid penalties for a practice collision
- The collision occurred at Turn 12 during the second practice session in Mexico
- Lawson faces potential disqualification for a minimum MGU-K power requirement breach
- Lewis Hamilton claimed pole position for Ferrari
The full story
1 min read · 4 outlets
New Zealander Liam Lawson will start the Mexican Grand Prix from ninth on the grid after receiving a one-place penalty for a practice collision with Max Verstappen. Lawson originally qualified eighth, but the penalty relegates him behind Racing Bulls teammate Arvid Lindblad. Lawson also faces potential disqualification following a breach notice regarding minimum MGU-K power requirements during his fastest lap in Q2.
The collision occurred during the second practice session at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez when Verstappen attempted to pass Lawson on the inside at Turn 12. Both drivers were handed one-place grid penalties and one penalty point each, with stewards describing the behaviour as "unacceptable". The incident caused damage to Verstappen's bargeboards and Lawson's front wing, leading to a red flag to clear debris.
Verstappen will start the race in fifth position after his penalty dropped him from fourth. This demotion moves championship leader Kimi Antonelli to fourth on the grid. Lewis Hamilton secured pole position for Ferrari, marking his first pole since 2023.
Lawson apologised to Verstappen, stating, "I went to see Max this morning to apologise because what happened doesn’t need to happen". Verstappen commented on the incident, saying, "If I were him, I’d be a bit smarter. When you're fighting for your seat, it's not very smart behaviour".
How it developed
- Sun 1 Nov, 12:57pmLawson faces potential disqualification due to a technical breach regarding MGU-K power requirements in qualifying.
Compiled from reports by RNZ, NZ Herald, Stuff and 1News.
