Fresh drama struck the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix after the FIA confirmed a sensational late disqualification following technical inspections in Montreal, adding even more controversy to an already turbulent weekend.
Once Saturday’s qualifying session concluded at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, FIA scrutineers began their routine post-session examinations on several cars. During those checks, one competitor was found to have breached Formula One’s technical regulations, resulting in an immediate removal from the official qualifying classification.
The decision caused a significant shake-up to the starting order ahead of Sunday’s race and quickly ignited debate across the paddock. Teams, fans, and commentators questioned the FIA’s consistency after a weekend already packed with penalties, investigations, and controversial stewarding calls.
While officials initially refused to reveal the precise nature of the infringement, the FIA later confirmed the issue had been discovered during standard post-session inspections. Under Formula One regulations, even the smallest technical violation can lead to severe punishment, with disqualification considered one of the harshest penalties in the sport.
The latest controversy placed even greater focus on the FIA’s handling of technical enforcement, with several teams reportedly unhappy about how rulings and penalties were managed during the weekend. Some insiders believed the delayed announcement created unnecessary uncertainty so close to the Grand Prix.
The situation also overshadowed a difficult outing for reigning champion Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing, who struggled throughout qualifying around the demanding Montreal circuit.
Verstappen repeatedly complained over team radio about the unpredictable balance of his car, explaining that the handling felt inconsistent despite several setup changes made during the session.
After qualifying, the Dutchman admitted the team still did not fully understand the source of the problems.
“We changed a lot on the car, but it still behaves strangely,” Verstappen said. “One lap feels okay, then suddenly the balance changes completely on the next lap.”
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve’s fast layout, aggressive kerbs, and heavy braking zones only increased the challenge, regularly exposing weaknesses in car balance and stability while offering drivers very little margin for error.
To make matters even more complicated, forecasts predicted rain for Sunday’s race, raising fears of a chaotic Grand Prix filled with safety cars, risky strategy calls, and difficult tyre decisions. Wet conditions in Montreal have often produced dramatic races, and several drivers voiced concerns about visibility and spray if heavy rain arrived.
Teams were already preparing for rapidly changing weather conditions, knowing that a perfectly timed pit stop or safety car period could completely transform the race outcome. Engineers also faced difficult setup compromises while trying to maximise performance in both dry and wet conditions.
Meanwhile, drivers like George Russell and rising talent Kimi Antonelli continued to take advantage of the unpredictable order at the front. With several teams struggling for consistency, the competitive picture shifted constantly throughout the weekend, producing one of the most unpredictable qualifying sessions of the season.
The FIA’s latest ruling has once again placed Formula One’s technical policing under intense scrutiny, with multiple teams expected to seek further clarification over how the regulations are interpreted and enforced going forward.
As the championship fight continues to intensify, the dramatic events in Montreal have once again shown how quickly a Formula One weekend can be turned upside down — both through on-track action and the relentless technical scrutiny every team faces under FIA regulations.