The FIA has defended Liam Lawson following accusations from the Mexican motorsport federation (OMDAI). During the recent Mexico City GP, two marshals ran onto the track in front of Lawson’s car. “I could have killed them,” he exclaimed in shock over the team radio. OMDAI blamed the New Zealander, claiming he did not slow down sufficiently under double yellow flags. However, the FIA disagrees.
Lawson, who was involved in an incident with Carlos Sainz in the opening laps of the race, was at the back of the field after a pit stop when he saw two marshals running across the track as he approached the first corners. The Racing Bulls driver narrowly avoided a horrific collision. The FIA later stated that they would further investigate the incident. “When it became clear that Liam Lawson had made a pit stop, the instructions to the marshals were withdrawn and double yellow flags were waved,” the FIA said. “We are still investigating what exactly happened afterwards.”
The Mexican federation then claimed that Lawson did not respond adequately to the yellow flags, but the FIA has since refuted this. Their analysis shows that Lawson acted correctly. “While the investigation is still ongoing, we acknowledge that we never want to experience a situation where marshals are on the track while cars are approaching,” the organization stated on Friday. “It is therefore understandable that such an incident leads to concern and numerous reactions.”
‘Lawson Reduced Speed’
The motorsport federation emphasizes that, fortunately, the incident had no consequences. “We are conducting an internal investigation to understand exactly what happened and to determine how we can improve our procedures,” the FIA confirmed again. “We are working together with OMDAI and Racing Bulls, with the ultimate goal of further improving safety in our sport. As with all serious incidents, the full analysis will take some time, as all relevant evidence must be collected and evaluated.”
However, the FIA has already made it clear that Liam Lawson is not to blame. “After analyzing the telemetry of the incident, we can confirm that Liam Lawson appropriately reduced speed and responded correctly to the double yellow flags,” the statement reads. “He braked earlier than in other rounds and passed significantly slower than the usual racing speed. He is not at fault in this incident.” The FIA concluded the statement with a word of thanks to the track officials: “Finally, we would like to express our sincere thanks to the volunteers and marshals for their professionalism and dedication – without them, our sport could not function safely.”
