FIA confirm late pit lane start after fresh Mexican GP technical breaches

Lawson was initially set to start Sunday's race from the back of the grid after being disqualified from qualifying on Saturday. However, the FIA has now revealed several changes to his Racing Bulls, including replacements of multiple power unit components and modifications to the suspension.

The report confirms that Lawson has received a fifth internal combustion engine, fifth turbocharger and fifth exhaust system, exceeding the maximum allocation of four for each component under the 2026 regulations. He has also taken a seventh power unit ancillary component, surpassing the permitted limit of six.

Racing Bulls also made changes to Lawson's suspension set-up without FIA approval, meaning the New Zealander is now expected to start the Mexican Grand Prix from the pit lane rather than the back of the grid.

The team also breached the regulations by uncovering Lawson's car earlier than permitted before the race. All infringements have been referred to the stewards, who must formally confirm his pit lane start.

The latest setback follows Lawson's disqualification from Saturday's qualifying session, where he originally finished eighth, ahead of Racing Bulls teammate Arvid Lindblad.

The New Zealander was excluded after the FIA discovered that his car failed to comply with regulations governing MGU-K electrical power deployment. The infringement occurred immediately after Lawson crossed the timing line at the end of his fastest Q2 lap.

According to the stewards, Lawson did not lift off the power immediately, meaning the required gradual reduction in MGU-K deployment was not achieved. Although Racing Bulls disclosed the infringement themselves and argued that no competitive advantage was gained, officials determined that the breach warranted disqualification under Articles C5.12.6 and C5.12.7.

Lawson was already carrying a one-place grid penalty following his collision with Max Verstappen during Friday's second practice session. That sanction would originally have dropped him from eighth to ninth before his qualifying result was deleted entirely.