Fresh controversy erupted during the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix weekend after the FIA confirmed a stunning late disqualification following post-qualifying technical inspections in Montreal, throwing the paddock into chaos once again.
After Saturday’s qualifying session at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, FIA officials conducted their routine technical checks on several cars. During those examinations, one competitor was found to have breached Formula One’s strict technical regulations, resulting in an immediate removal from the official classification.
The dramatic decision caused a major reshuffle to the grid ahead of Sunday’s race and quickly sparked fierce debate across the paddock. Teams, fans, and analysts questioned the consistency of FIA stewarding during a weekend already dominated by investigations, penalties, and controversial rulings.
While the FIA initially kept details of the infringement private, the governing body later confirmed the violation had been discovered during standard post-session scrutineering procedures. In Formula One, even a minor breach of the technical rulebook can lead to severe punishment, with disqualification regarded as one of the toughest sanctions available.
The incident intensified criticism surrounding the FIA’s handling of technical enforcement, with several teams reportedly frustrated by how rulings and penalties were managed throughout the weekend. Some insiders believed the timing of the announcement created unnecessary uncertainty so close to race day.
The controversy also overshadowed a difficult weekend for reigning world champion Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing, who struggled to find pace and consistency around the demanding Montreal circuit.
Verstappen repeatedly complained over team radio about the unpredictable balance of his car, describing its behaviour as inconsistent from lap to lap despite numerous setup changes made by the team.
Speaking after qualifying, the Dutch driver admitted Red Bull were still struggling to understand the root of the issues.
“We changed several things, but the car still behaves strangely,” Verstappen explained. “One lap it feels fine, then suddenly it reacts completely differently the next time around.”
The unique challenges of Circuit Gilles Villeneuve only added to the problems. The circuit’s narrow layout, aggressive kerbs, and heavy braking zones regularly expose weaknesses in car balance and stability, leaving drivers with almost no room for mistakes.
Adding another layer of uncertainty, forecasts predicted rain for Sunday’s Grand Prix, increasing the possibility of a chaotic race filled with safety cars, strategy risks, and difficult tyre decisions. Wet conditions in Montreal have historically produced dramatic races, with drivers already voicing concerns about visibility and spray if heavy rain arrived.
Teams were preparing for rapidly changing conditions, fully aware that one perfectly timed pit stop or safety car could completely alter the outcome of the race. Engineers also faced difficult compromises while trying to balance dry-weather speed with wet-weather performance.
Meanwhile, drivers such as George Russell and rising star Kimi Antonelli continued to capitalise on the unpredictable order at the front. With several teams struggling for consistency, the competitive picture shifted constantly throughout the weekend, creating one of the most unpredictable qualifying sessions of the season.
The FIA’s latest decision has once again placed Formula One’s technical policing under intense scrutiny, with multiple teams expected to seek further clarification over the interpretation and enforcement of regulations in the coming races.
As the championship battle continues to heat up, the events in Montreal have once again shown how quickly a Formula One weekend can descend into controversy — not only because of on-track drama, but also due to the relentless technical scrutiny every team faces under FIA regulations.