Liam Lawson is facing a stewards’ investigation after coming to a halt during practice ahead of this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix, triggering an early red flag.
Just 12 minutes into practice in Montreal, Lawson suffered a suspected hydraulics issue which saw him grind to a halt on the exit of Turn 2.
It resulted in a short red flag while his car was safely recovered, with the New Zealander now set to enter Sprint qualifying with very limited running.
However, the situation could yet worsen for Lawson, who is set to visit the stewards ahead of the next session after being referred to the officials by FIA technical delegate Jo Bauer.
According to Bauer’s technical report: “When car 30 stopped on the track during FP1, the marshals pressed the CDS button at 12:41.
“But it turned out that the CDS was not working as required by the F1 Regulations, Article C9.3. I am referring this matter to the Stewards for their consideration.”
The CDS is the clutch disengagement system and is integral to the safe removal of a car by marshals. It allows a crashed or stopped car to have its clutch disengaged by stewards without the engine running.
It is a serious offence and one which could see Lawson and Racing Bulls handed a punishment if found to have breached Article C9.3.
According to Article C9.3 of the technical regulations: “All cars must be fitted with a means of disengaging the Clutch for a minimum of fifteen minutes in the event of the car coming to rest with the engine stopped.
“This system must be in working order throughout the Competition even if the main hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical systems on the car have failed.
“This system must also shut down the ERS, as required by article C5.17.1. In order that the driver or a marshal may activate the system in less than five seconds, the button which operates it must:
“a. Face upwards and be recessed into the top of the Survival Cell and be positioned according to Drawing 10 of Appendix C3.
“b. Be designed in order that a marshal is unable to accidentally re−engage the Clutch.
“c. Be marked according to Drawing 10 of Appendix C3.”
