Liam Lawson Hit With Penalty After F1 Miami Sprint Crash With Fernando Alonso

Newsweek

03-05-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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The FIA has penalized Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson for causing a collision with two-time Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso during the Miami sprint race. He has been handed a five-second time penalty along with one penalty point.
On lap 15 of 19, the New Zealander collided with the rear of Alonso's Aston Martin AMR25. This caused Alonso to spin and crash into the wall, ending his race prematurely.
Unfortunate contact between Alonso and Lawson 💥
This is how Fernando's Sprint came to an end 😬#F1 #F1Sprint #MiamiGP pic.twitter.com/zdBuVl3N7F — Formula 1 (@F1) May 3, 2025
Lawson had scored his first points of the 2025 season with what was a seventh place finish. While speaking to the media following the race, the New Zealander explained:
"He came out on cold tyres, and I'd done a lap. I was trying to get by him early in the lap.
Liam Lawson of New Zealand and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls looks on in the Paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 01, 2025 in...
Liam Lawson of New Zealand and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls looks on in the Paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 01, 2025 in Miami, Florida. More"I waited for DRS, made sure to get my wheels ahead a the apex trying to overtake. I feel I did that, then I got squeezed off.
"At that point I was heading for the concrete wall. I was trying to get out, but he left me no space.
"Obviously [it's] not my intention, but I feel like I had my wheels ahead."
The FIA has released the following clarification on the decision:
"Infringement: Breach of Appendix L, Chapter IV Article 2 d) of the International Sporting Code.
"Decision: 5 second time penalty imposed after the Sprint. 1 penalty points (total of 6 for the 12 month period).
"Reason: The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 14 (Fernando Alonso), the driver of Car 30 (Liam Lawson), team representatives and reviewed video and in-car video evidence.
"Car 30 was attempting an overtake on the outside of Car 14 into Turn 11. Although being able to pull fully alongside, the front axle of Car 30 was not ahead of the front axle of Car 14 at the apex as required per the Driving Standards Guidelines. Therefore Car 30 was not entitled to be given room at the exit. Due to the layout of the track, the car which has the right to the racing line in Turn 11 also has the right to the racing line in Turn 12.
"Car 30 drove to the very edge of the track between Turns 11 and 12 and collided with Car 14 on the approach to Turn 12. The Stewards determine that Car 30 was predominantly at fault and therefore consider a 5 seconds penalty to be appropriate taking into account the track conditions."