FIA Confirms Canadian Grand Prix DISQUALIFICATION Ra…read more
The 2025 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal delivered unexpected drama for Pierre Gasly and Liam Lawson, as both drivers were hit with massive penalties by the FIA for making unauthorized power unit changes. The sanctions were so severe that neither driver took their place on the main grid, instead starting the race from the pit lane — a rare and significant setback in a sport where every grid position counts.
Gasly’s Penalty
Alpine’s Pierre Gasly was the first to feel the sting of the FIA’s strict technical rules. His team replaced two key power unit components overnight — the energy store and the control electronics — without prior approval. These changes pushed him over the season’s allocated limit for these parts, automatically triggering a 20-place grid penalty. Under Article 40.9(a) of the 2025 Formula One Sporting Regulations, any penalty exceeding 15 grid places converts to a mandatory pit-lane start. Consequently, Gasly had no choice but to watch the rest of the field line up on the grid while he began the race from the pits, isolated from the pack.
Lawson’s Severe Drop
The situation was even more punishing for Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson. His team carried out a major overhaul of his car’s power unit, replacing nearly every key component. The changes included his fifth internal combustion engine, turbocharger, MGU-H, and a third energy store and control electronics. The combined infractions added up to an astonishing 50-place grid penalty — far beyond the number of slots available on the grid. As per FIA rules, Lawson too was forced to start from the pit lane.
Strategic Choices Behind the Risks
Despite the heavy penalties, both Alpine and Racing Bulls appeared to view these changes as calculated strategic decisions. Gasly, who was already set to start from the lower end of the grid, stood to gain in future races with fresher, more reliable components. For Racing Bulls, the overhaul for Lawson was likely seen as a long-term investment, giving the rookie a performance boost and minimizing the risk of future mechanical failures.
Implications for Formula 1
Penalties of this scale are uncommon but underline Formula 1’s uncompromising enforcement of technical regulations. The sport imposes strict limits on power unit components for each season to keep costs manageable and ensure reliability. Any breach, regardless of circumstance, triggers heavy sanctions. The rule that forces a pit-lane start for penalties over 15 places also simplifies grid management and ensures fairness for all teams and drivers.
Looking Ahead
While the Canadian Grand Prix was an uphill battle for both Gasly and Lawson, these penalties could pay off in the coming races. With fresh power units, both drivers and their teams may find themselves in stronger positions as the season progresses. The situation serves as a reminder of the fine balance teams must maintain between chasing performance, managing reliability, and adhering to the sport’s rigorous
technical framework.
