FIA announce late Canadian Grand Prix disqualification as Verstappen questions decisions
The FIA confirmed a dramatic late disqualification at the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix weekend following a post-session investigation, adding fresh controversy to an already tense event in Montreal as Max Verstappen openly questioned several decisions made by race officials and his own team.
The ruling came after stewards completed technical inspections on a car involved in an alleged breach of FIA regulations following Saturday’s running at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Officials determined that the car failed to comply with specific technical requirements, resulting in a disqualification from the session classification.
The decision immediately reshuffled the competitive order heading into Sunday’s Grand Prix and intensified debate across the paddock over FIA consistency and enforcement standards during the weekend.
While the FIA did not initially release full details during the session itself, the governing body later published the stewards’ verdict, explaining that the irregularity was discovered during routine post-session scrutineering checks. Teams are required to ensure full compliance with all technical regulations at every stage of the weekend, with even minor infringements capable of triggering severe penalties.
The development added to growing frustration for reigning world champion Verstappen, who endured a difficult qualifying session with Red Bull Racing and repeatedly voiced concerns over team radio.
During qualifying, Verstappen appeared visibly irritated as he struggled with balance and grip issues on his RB machine around the low-grip Montreal circuit. The Dutch driver was heard questioning strategy calls and setup choices while expressing confusion over the car’s inconsistent performance.
Speaking afterwards, Verstappen admitted he was struggling to understand the situation.
“We tried everything on the car, but honestly I have no idea what’s going on at the moment,” Verstappen said after the session. “One lap it feels acceptable, the next it’s completely different.”
The late FIA verdict only increased the uncertainty surrounding the competitive picture ahead of the race, especially with changing weather conditions threatening to play a major role on Sunday. Forecasts throughout the weekend suggested heavy rain could arrive during the Grand Prix, potentially creating chaotic conditions and placing even greater emphasis on tyre strategy and safety car timing.
Several teams have already warned that visibility concerns and spray levels could become a serious issue if the rain intensifies during the race.
Meanwhile, rivals including George Russell and Kimi Antonelli continued to capitalize on the uncertainty at the front, with qualifying pace fluctuating significantly throughout the weekend.
The FIA’s latest intervention once again places officiating and technical enforcement under the spotlight in Formula One, with teams expected to seek further clarification over how regulations are being interpreted during one of the most unpredictable race weekends of the 2026 season.