FIA Releases New Statement on Liam Lawson-F1 Marshal Incident in Mexico City GP

The FIA has issued an updated statement regarding the alarming near-miss incident during the Mexico City Grand Prix involving Liam Lawson and two F1 marshals. The incident, which occurred on lap three, saw Lawson exiting the pit lane encountering marshals collecting debris on track, leading to a frightening situation where Lawson reported he "nearly killed" one.

Why it matters:

• Marshal safety is paramount in Formula 1, and any incident jeopardizing it demands immediate and thorough investigation to prevent future occurrences.
• The initial blame placed on Lawson by some reports, and now definitively refuted by the FIA, highlights the need for precise information and clear communication during safety investigations.
• This event underscores the constant vigilance required in track management and procedure execution, especially under yellow flag conditions.

The Details:

• Incident Overview: On lap three of the Mexico City GP, Liam Lawson (Car #30) exited the pit lane after a collision. He encountered two marshals on track collecting debris at Turn 1, an area under double-waved yellow flags.
• Driver Reaction: Lawson immediately radioed his team, expressing the severity of the near-miss.
• FIA's Initial Stance: An initial statement was released after the Grand Prix.
• Updated Statement: On Friday evening, the FIA released a second, more comprehensive statement.
• Lawson Cleared: The FIA's updated statement explicitly confirmed that Liam Lawson was not at fault in the incident.
  • Telemetry analysis showed 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."
• Ongoing Investigation: A full internal investigation remains ongoing, collaborating with OMDAI (Mexican Automobile Club) and the Racing Bulls Formula One Team.
• Goal: The investigation aims to understand the exact sequence of events, identify areas for procedural improvement, and enhance the overall safety of the sport.
• Complexity: The full analysis is expected to take time, involving the collection and review of all relevant evidence, including multi-language radio communications from various parties.
• Appreciation for Marshals: The FIA extended sincere thanks to volunteers and marshals for their professionalism and dedication, acknowledging their essential role in the safe operation of the sport.

What's next:

The full findings of the investigation will be shared once the review is complete. This incident will likely lead to a re-evaluation of marshal deployment protocols, especially during early race incidents and under yellow flag conditions, ensuring that marshals are never exposed to such risks in front of oncoming traffic. The collaborative nature of the investigation with OMDAI and the Racing Bulls team aims to implement improved safety measures across all levels.