Formula 1 News: Mexican officials blame Lawson for the Marshall near-miss (2nd Update)

(GMM) The FIA has moved to defend Liam Lawson, confirming that the Racing Bulls driver was not at fault for the near-miss involving two marshals during last weekend’s Mexican GP.

The incident occurred when marshals ran across the track in front of Lawson’s car near Turn 1, prompting the New Zealander to say afterwards: “It’s pretty unacceptable. We can’t understand how on a live track marshals can be allowed to just run across.”

Earlier this week, Mexico’s motorsport authority OMDAI claimed Lawson had contributed to the dangerous situation, asserting that onboard footage showed him maintaining his steering line while “marshals were clearly visible carrying out their intervention procedures.”

However, the FIA has now issued a formal statement siding with Lawson and confirming that he reacted appropriately to the yellow flags.

“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 began.

The FIA said it is “collaborating openly and transparently” with the OMDAI to “improve the safety of our sport”.

As for Lawson, whose reputation has already been battered by his Red Bull demise early this year and several subsequent on and off-track clashes with rivals since then, the FIA backed the 23-year-old.

“We can confirm that the driver … 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 governing body insisted.

The latest statement from the FIA on the matter: “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 synchronizing all of these diverse inputs.

“The findings will be shared once the review is complete.

“Having analyzed 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.

“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.”

(GMM) Mexico’s motorsport authority has blamed Liam Lawson for the frightening moment when two marshals ran across the track in front of his car during Sunday’s Mexican GP.

The Racing Bulls driver had reacted with disbelief after narrowly avoiding the officials. “I honestly couldn’t believe what I was seeing,” Lawson said after the race. “Obviously there’s been a miscommunication somewhere, but I’ve never experienced that before – and it’s pretty unacceptable.

“We can’t understand how on a live track marshals can be allowed to just run across. It really can’t happen again.”

The FIA initially appeared to shift responsibility toward local organizers, saying that once Lawson entered the pits, marshals were told to stand down.

“We are still investigating what occurred after that point,” the body said in a statement.

But now OMDAI – Mexico’s national motorsport federation – has issued a statement claiming Lawson himself was partly at fault.

“When analysing the onboard footage, it can be seen that driver Liam Lawson began turning into Turn 1 as marshals were clearly visible carrying out their intervention procedures,” OMDAI said. “The proximity of the car to the work area shows that marshals were still active, performing cleaning and safety tasks on the circuit.

“The images clearly show that Lawson maintained his steering angle without changing trajectory, even though the track marshals were crossing to return to their post. This action occurred while personnel were still working in the area.”