During lap three of the F1 Mexico City GP, Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson had to take avoiding action when he came across two marshals on the track. While the FIA apologised to Lawson, the Mexican Motorsport Federation blamed the 23-year old for the incident.
Liam Lawson surprised by OMDAI’s statement
After an early collision with Carlos Sainz at turn 1 of the F1 Mexico City GP, Lawson sustained damage. The Racing Bulls driver pitted and while exiting, came face to face with two marshals who were running across the track, narrowly avoiding a collision. The Kiwi ultimately retired from the Mexico City GP on lap 4 after sustaining too much damage.
The Mexican Motorsport Federation (OMDAI) released a statement blaming the Kiwi for the incident. Lawson was suprised by their comments in his São Paulo GP media session. He was insiting that he took “a completely different line” and did everything that he could to avoid a fatal incident.
“Yes, I was very surprised. I think the FIA’s statement was very clear and very accurate as well. I don’t really need to say too much more than what was put in that statement. It was obviously checked into. Everything that led to that happening, to the fact that they got caught out there. And everything I did in the car to obviously avoid them. And take a completely different line to what I’ve taken through the entire weekend. But yes, I was extremely surprised, still am very surprised.”
The FIA released their own statement, confirming that Lawson was not at fault and responded correctly to the double waved yellow flags.
Lawson reveals the FIA apologised after the Mexico City GP
During a print media session at the F1 São Paulo GP, Lawson revealed the he spoke with the FIA who apologised for the incident. After the Mexico City GP, the FIA released a statement claiming that they instructed marshals to clear the debris from the track. However, they attempted to retract the message after noticing Lawson had pitted. While reflecting on the the F1 Mexico City GP incident, Lawson understands that it took place due to misscommunication, however the situation should never happen again.
“Yeah, I had a talk with them, and I appreciated that a lot. I do understand that we’re in a sport with a huge amount of variables in these things. As much as they can’t happen again and they shouldn’t happen, there’s always a possibility of something like this.
“Obviously what’s most important is that the action is taken now to prevent it. So I didn’t have a problem with any of that. It was just the statement that came out trying to accuse me of doing something.”
The dangerous incident shocked Liam Lawson who took to the radio exclaiming that he “could have killed them.” An internal investigation is taking place between the FIA, Racing Bulls and the Mexican Motorsport Federation to ensure that the incident that happened at the F1 Mexico City GP doesn’t occur again. The FIA stated that “any situation where marshals find themselves on track in front of oncoming cars is something we never want to see.”
