Lawson Disqualified From Mexican Gp Qualifying For Technical Breach

MEXICO CITY, Nov 1 (Bernama-dpa) -- Liam Lawson has been disqualified from qualifying and will start Sunday's Mexico City Grand Prix from the back of the grid following a technical breach, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

Lawson, from the Racing Bulls, finished eighth fastest in qualifying but a one-place grid penalty following a collision with Red Bulls driver Max Verstappen pushed him to ninth.

However, the disqualification means the New Zealander is now due to start the race from the back of the grid.

After qualifying, Lawson was referred to the stewards over an alleged breach of the minimum MGU-K power requirement just after crossing the line on his fastest lap in the second qualifying session.

"Evidence submitted, which was accepted by all parties present, showed that after the control line at the end of his fastest lap in Q2, the driver did not lift off the power immediately," the stewards' decision document said. 

"This resulted in the rate of reduction of MGU-K deployment required to achieve the regulated 'step down', not being achieved."

Lawson's team self-disclosed the breach and argued it did not provide any performance advantage.

"However it is clear that non-compliance with the Technical Regulations is not excused if no performance advantage is gained. Further, these regulations require that a car must comply with them at all times during an event," the stewards said.

Lewis Hamilton claimed pole position for Sunday's race, ahead of the Mercedes of George Russell. Charles Leclerc was third. 

Verstappen had to settle for fourth, but will start the race in fifth after he too was handed a one-place grid penalty for the collision with Lawson.

Championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who was only fifth in qualifying, will start the race in fourth. The Italian can wrap up a maiden world title on Sunday if he finishes at least ninth.

-- BERNAMA-dpa