Formula 1: Liam Lawson takes engine penalty, to start Italian Grand Prix at back of grid
Liam Lawson will start Formula One's Italian Grand Prix from the back of the grid at Monza, despite qualifying 14th, due to an engine penalty. His car received multiple new engine components, a strategic move partly to gain an advantage on an overtaking-friendly track and to aid teammate Max Verstappen in qualifying, leading to Lawson's frustration.
Why it matters
This decision significantly impacts Lawson's race strategy and potential outcome, highlighting the complex tactical elements of Formula 1 where teams make calculated sacrifices for long-term performance or to aid championship contenders, affecting the competitive landscape.
Despite qualifying 14th, Liam Lawson will start Formula One’s Italian Grand Prix from the back of the grid at Monza, after taking an engine penalty on behalf of injured former teammate Isack Hadjar .
Back at Red Bull for the second race in a row , Lawson’s car has seen a new internal combustion engine, turbocharger, exhaust set, motor generator unit-kinetic and power unit ancillary component fitted, and earned a 35-place grid drop as a result.
While he will start from the back of the grid, the fresh engine should at the very least give him an advantage over cars starting ahead of him.
“To be honest, the weekend in general has been focused on the race, because we knew we were taking the penalty,” Lawson said after qualifying.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in