Mexico's Motorsport Federation Blames Liam Lawson for Near-Miss with Marshals

During the Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix, a near-miss incident involving driver Liam Lawson and two track marshals has raised significant safety concerns. The incident occurred on Lap 3 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, shortly after Lawson had pitted following a collision with Carlos Sainz on the opening lap. As Lawson rejoined the track, he encountered the marshals who were on the circuit to clear debris from the earlier incident, leading to a dangerous situation.

Mexican federation pins blame on Liam Lawson for near-miss with marshals in F1 Mexico GPLawson didn’t do enough to avoid marshal incident, as per OMDAILiam Lawson blamed by Mexican federation for near-miss with F1 marshalsESPNLiam Lawson: Mexican motorsport federation criticises Racing Bulls driver for role in near-miss with marshals

Mexico’s motorsport federation, OMDAI Sport Mexico, has placed the blame on Lawson for failing to adequately slow down under double yellow flags, which signal drivers to reduce speed due to the presence of hazards on the track. OMDAI's statement emphasized that Lawson was informed of the marshals' presence via radio and that he did not alter his racing line despite the visible danger. They provided visual evidence from Lawson's onboard camera, asserting that he maintained his trajectory as he approached Turn 1, where the marshals were crossing the track.

Mexican federation pins blame on Liam Lawson for near-miss with marshals in F1 Mexico GPLiam Lawson blamed by Mexican federation for near-miss with F1 marshalsLiam Lawson: Mexican motorsport federation criticises Racing Bulls driver for role in near-miss with marshalsLawson didn’t do enough to avoid marshal incident, as per OMDAIESPN

Liam Lawson expressed shock and concern regarding the incident, describing it as "unacceptable." He recounted his experience, stating, “I got to Turn 1 and there were two dudes just running across the track. And I nearly hit one of them. Honestly, it was so dangerous.” Lawson acknowledged a miscommunication but underscored the severity of the situation, indicating that such lapses in safety protocols should not occur.

Mexican federation pins blame on Liam Lawson for near-miss with marshals in F1 Mexico GP

The FIA has launched an investigation into the incident, noting that the marshals had been placed on standby to clear debris but were dispatched without awareness that Lawson had just pitted. The governing body confirmed that instructions to send marshals onto the track were rescinded once Lawson's pit stop was noted. The FIA's ongoing investigation aims to clarify the sequence of events that led to the near-miss.

ESPN

OMDAI's statement highlighted that Lawson's actions did not comply with safety regulations, which require drivers to significantly reduce speed and be prepared to stop when double yellow flags are displayed. The federation's detailed analysis criticized Lawson for not taking sufficient action to avoid the marshals, despite being informed of the hazardous conditions.

Liam Lawson: Mexican motorsport federation criticises Racing Bulls driver for role in near-miss with marshals

Both OMDAI and Lawson have acknowledged the seriousness of the near-miss, labeling it a significant safety lapse. The FIA's investigation is expected to provide further clarity on the incident and the circumstances surrounding the marshals' presence on the track. As the motorsport community awaits the findings, the incident underscores the critical importance of communication and adherence to safety protocols in Formula 1 racing.

Mexican federation pins blame on Liam Lawson for near-miss with marshals in F1 Mexico GP

• “I honestly couldn't believe what I was seeing,” — Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls Driver

Liam Lawson blamed by Mexican federation for near-miss with F1 marshals

• “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.” — OMDAI Sport Mexico Statement

Liam Lawson blamed by Mexican federation for near-miss with F1 marshals

• “We are still investigating what occurred after that point,” — FIA Statement

Mexican federation pins blame on Liam Lawson for near-miss with marshals in F1 Mexico GP