Lawson Blamed for 'Dangerous' Near-Miss with Marshals in Mexico

Liam Lawson has been officially blamed by the Mexican motorsport federation for a perilous near-miss involving two marshals during the Mexico City Grand Prix. Despite Lawson's own concerns about the incident, the federation concluded that the driver failed to take appropriate precautions despite being warned of debris and a double yellow flag.

Why it matters:

This incident highlights critical safety protocols and driver responsibility in Formula 1, especially under yellow flag conditions. The differing interpretations between a driver's perspective and official investigations underscore the ongoing challenges in ensuring absolute safety for both competitors and track personnel during chaotic race scenarios. It also brings into focus the FIA's consistent application of rules and communication with drivers.

The Details:

• Incident Overview: Following a chaotic opening lap, marshals were deployed to Turn 1 to clear debris. Lawson, having pitted for a damaged front wing, rejoined the track and nearly collided with two marshals who were still active on the circuit.
• Federation's Conclusion: Mexico's motorsport federation analyzed the event and determined that Lawson, then 23, did not drive appropriately.
• Warning and Regulations: Racing Bulls (now RB) had informed Lawson of debris and a double yellow flag in the section. According to regulations, this required him to significantly reduce speed, refrain from overtaking, and be prepared to stop.
• Lawson's Trajectory: Onboard camera analysis showed Lawson maintained his steering wheel angle and racing line into Turn 1, despite the clear presence of marshals crossing the track to return to their posts.
• Driver's Perspective: Lawson strongly criticized the incident as "dangerous" and stated he "couldn't believe what he was seeing," indicating a feeling that the marshals' presence was unexpected or mishandled.

The Big Picture:

This event is part of a broader discussion regarding Turn 1 incidents in Mexico City, a corner notorious for opening-lap chaos. Lewis Hamilton also voiced complaints about "double standards" regarding penalties in the same race, suggesting wider dissatisfaction with race control's decisions. These recurring issues emphasize the need for clearer communication, more consistent enforcement, and potentially revised procedures for managing track clear-up under live-track conditions.

What's next:

The FIA and teams are scheduled to hold discussions regarding Turn 1 incidents, as confirmed by Aston Martin's Chief Trackside Officer, Mike Krack. These talks will likely address the specifics of Lawson's near-miss, broader safety protocols, and the efficacy of current yellow flag procedures to prevent similar dangerous situations in the future. The outcome could lead to significant procedural changes to enhance safety for all involved in F1 racing.