FIA Rejects Mexican Federation's Claims on Lawson's Near-Miss Incident

The FIA has issued a public statement refuting claims made by the Mexican motorsport federation regarding the dangerous incident involving Liam Lawson and marshals at the Mexican GP, confirming Lawson acted appropriately.

Why it matters:

This incident highlights critical safety concerns in Formula 1, particularly the coordination between race control, marshals, and drivers. The FIA's swift and detailed response is crucial to maintaining trust in safety protocols and preventing similar near-misses in the future, ensuring the well-being of all personnel on track.

The Details:

• Incident Summary: During the Mexican Grand Prix, Liam Lawson, driving for AlphaTauri (then Racing Bulls), narrowly avoided hitting two marshals who had entered the track at Turn 1 to clear debris while double yellow flags were displayed.
• Mexican Federation's Claim: The Mexican Automobile Club (OMDAI) initially claimed that Lawson "did not interrupt his line despite the obvious presence of marshals on the track."
• FIA's Rebuttal: The FIA's statement explicitly confirms that "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."
• Ongoing Investigation: The FIA is conducting an internal investigation to understand exactly what happened, identify areas for procedural improvement, and is collaborating openly with OMDAI and the Racing Bulls Formula One Team.
• Evidence Review: The full analysis involves collecting and reviewing all relevant evidence, including radio communications in multiple languages from various parties involved.
• Marshal's Role: The FIA also expressed thanks to volunteers and marshals for their professionalism, emphasizing that the sport could not operate safely without them.

The Big Picture:

Formula 1 has an exceptional safety record, but incidents involving marshals on track are rare and extremely serious. This event underscores the constant need for vigilance and refinement of safety procedures. While Lawson was cleared of any wrongdoing, the focus shifts to preventing marshals from being on track when cars are still approaching, even under yellow flag conditions. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dynamic and potentially hazardous environment of F1 racing.

What's next:

The findings of the FIA's internal investigation will be shared once complete. This review is expected to lead to updated procedures and enhanced training for marshals and race control staff, particularly concerning debris removal protocols under various flag conditions. The goal is to ensure better coordination and communication to prevent such dangerous situations from recurring, reinforcing F1's commitment to safety.