FIA Investigates Near-Miss Between Liam Lawson and F1 Marshals in Mexico
Summary
AlphaTauri's Liam Lawson had a terrifying near-miss with marshals on track at the Mexico City Grand Prix, sparking a formal investigation by the FIA. Lawson's furious radio message highlighted the severity of the incident, which occurred during a debris cleanup at Turn 1. The FIA confirmed an ongoing inquiry into how marshals ended up in such a dangerous position despite safety protocols being initiated.
A terrifying incident at the Mexico City Grand Prix saw AlphaTauri driver Liam Lawson narrowly miss marshals on track, prompting a statement and investigation from the FIA. The near-miss occurred during the early stages of the race, highlighting significant safety concerns.
Why it matters:
- This incident underscores the critical importance of track safety protocols in Formula 1. Even with advanced systems, human error or miscommunication can lead to life-threatening situations for both drivers and marshals.
- The FIA's investigation is crucial to prevent future occurrences and ensure the integrity of safety procedures during races.
The Details:
- On the opening lap, debris was scattered at the exit of Turn 1, leading marshals to be dispatched for cleanup.
- Liam Lawson's Reaction: Lawson, having pitted at the end of Lap 1, rejoined the track while marshals were still present. His team radio outburst, "Wait, the f***? Oh my God, are you kidding me? Did you just see that? I could've f****** killed him, mate," clearly conveyed the gravity of the situation.
- FIA's Initial Statement: The FIA stated that Race Control followed all safety procedures, including instructing marshals to abort the cleanup before Lawson entered the area.
- Timeline of Events:
- Lap 3: Marshals were alerted and put on standby to clear debris at Turn 1 after all cars had passed.
- Lawson's Pit Stop: As soon as it was clear Lawson had pitted, instructions to dispatch marshals were rescinded, and double yellow flags were displayed in the area.
- Ongoing Investigation: Despite the aborted dispatch and flag warnings, the near-miss still happened, indicating a breakdown in the system that the FIA is actively investigating.
What's next:
The FIA's investigation will focus on understanding how the marshals ended up in a dangerous position despite Race Control's actions.
- Expect a detailed report on the findings and potential revisions to safety protocols for marshal deployment during races.
- This incident will likely lead to stricter enforcement or refinement of procedures to ensure marshals are never on track when a car is approaching, especially at racing speeds. The aim is to guarantee that such a close call does not happen again, protecting all personnel involved in Formula 1 events.
Original Article :https://racingnews365.com/fia-release-statement-after-terrifying-liam-lawson-f1-...