FIA Rejects Mexican Body's 'Incorrect' Claims in Lawson Safety Row

The FIA has strongly refuted claims made by Mexico's national motorsport authority, OMDAI Sport Mexico, which suggested Liam Lawson was at fault for his alarming near-miss with track marshals during the Mexico City Grand Prix. The governing body has officially declared OMDAI's suggestion "incorrect," defending Lawson's actions as "appropriate and safe." This dramatic confrontation between the FIA and its Mexican affiliate adds another layer of intrigue to an incident that left the Racing Bulls driver bewildered and caused widespread concern throughout the paddock.

Why it matters:

This incident highlights critical safety protocols and communication breakdowns within Formula 1, particularly concerning track marshals' deployment during live race conditions. The FIA's firm stance to exonerate Lawson and conduct a thorough investigation underscores the sport's commitment to marshal and driver safety, emphasizing that even minor miscommunications can have severe consequences in a high-speed environment.

The Details:

• The alarming event occurred on lap three of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. After a collision with Carlos Sainz at the start, Lawson pitted for a new front wing. Moments later, he was charging into Turn 3 only to encounter two marshals crossing the live racetrack.
• Lawson expressed his disbelief post-race, stating, "I honestly couldn't believe what I was seeing... I nearly hit one of them. Honestly, it was so dangerous." He called it "unacceptable" and sought an explanation for why marshals were on a live track.
• Reports suggest the marshals were initially deployed to clear debris from the chaotic race opening. However, the order to enter the track was rescinded when Lawson's unexpected pit stop eliminated the safety gap that had briefly formed.
• OMDAI's Initial Claim: OMDAI Sport Mexico quickly issued a statement blaming Lawson, asserting he did not slow sufficiently under the double yellow flags displayed in the corner. This claim directly triggered the FIA's strong rebuttal.
• FIA's Rebuttal and Exoneration: The FIA's statement on Friday directly contradicted OMDAI. "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," the FIA stated.
• The FIA explicitly declared Lawson "not at fault in this incident" and thanked volunteers and marshals for their professionalism, emphasizing their indispensable role in the sport's safety.

What's next:

The FIA's internal investigation into the dangerous incident is still ongoing. The governing body stresses that any situation involving marshals on track in front of oncoming cars is unacceptable. They are conducting a comprehensive internal probe to understand the exact sequence of events and identify areas for procedural improvement.

• The FIA is collaborating openly and transparently with OMDAI (Mexican Automobile Club) and the Racing Bulls Formula 1 Team to achieve their common goal of enhancing sport safety.
• The full analysis, involving the collection and review of all relevant evidence, including multi-language radio communications, will take time.
• The findings will be shared once the review is complete, ensuring accountability and preventing future occurrences. The FIA's firm response not only clears Lawson but also puts a spotlight on potential communication failures at the trackside during the race.

For Lawson, the primary relief was that the marshals were unharmed, coupled with disbelief that such a dangerous scenario unfolded. For Formula 1's regulatory bodies, it serves as a stark reminder that even in highly controlled environments, a single misstep in communication can lead to perilous outcomes.