In a statement on Friday afternoon, the FIA has confirmed that Liam Lawson has no responsibility for what happened in a scary moment with marshals at the F1 Mexico City GP.
As the New Zealander exited the pits on lap 3 following a front wing change after a collision in turn 1 with Carlos Sainz, marshals were seen running across the track between turns 1 and 2. They had been picking up debris. The Kiwi was understandably shocked on the radio at the time as he went into turn 1 and saw them on a live race track.
In a statement posted on Wednesday, the OMDAI [Mexican Automobile Club] tried to pin the blame on Lawson for the incident, sharing screenshots in it as to why they believed the Kiwi was wrong.
“The Racing Bulls team informed the driver that there was debris on the track and that this section was under a double yellow flag.
“Therefore, at that moment, the driver had to significantly reduce his speed, refrain from overtaking, and be prepared to stop if necessary.
“The images clearly show that driver Liam Lawson maintains the steering wheel angle of his car when taking Turn 1, without changing his trajectory, even though the track marshals were crossing the track to return to their post.
“This action occurs while personnel were still working in the area, which shows that the driver did not interrupt his line despite the obvious presence of marshals on the track.”
FIA statement on the F1 Mexico City GP near-miss involving Liam Lawson and marshals
Confirming that it will take some time to deliver a full report on what happened involving the marshals and why they were on track as Liam Lawson approached at the F1 Mexico City GP, the FIA made sure to point out the New Zealander reduced his speed significantly and was not to blame for the events of last Sunday.
“Whilst the investigation remains ongoing, we acknowledge that any situation where marshals find themselves on track in front of oncoming cars is something we never want to see, and hence it is natural that such an incident will provoke concern and numerous comments.
“It is fortunate this incident did not result in any serious consequences, but we are conducting an internal investigation to understand exactly what happened and to identify any areas where procedures can be improved.
“We are collaborating openly and transparently for this purpose with the OMDAI (Mexican Automobile Club) and with Racing Bulls Formula One Team, with the ultimate objective to achieve our common aim, which is to always improve the safety of our Sport.
“As with all serious incidents, the full analysis will take some time, as it involves collecting and reviewing all relevant evidence, including radio communications in multiple languages from the various parties involved, and synchronising all of these diverse inputs. The findings will be shared once the review is complete.”
Liam Lawson not to blame for F1 Mexico City GP near-miss
“Having analysed the telemetry from the incident, we can confirm that the driver of Car #30, Liam Lawson, slowed appropriately and reacted correctly to the double yellow flags displayed in the area, braking earlier than in other laps and passing significantly slower than racing speed into Turn 1. He is not at fault in this incident,” the FIA confirmed.
“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 operate safely.”
