Lawson Receives FIA Apology After Mexico Marshal Scare

Liam Lawson has confirmed he received an apology from the FIA following the frightening near-miss with marshals at the Mexico City Grand Prix. The Racing Bulls driver, who narrowly avoided two marshals crossing the track at Turn 1, described the incident as a “miscommunication” and praised the governing body's subsequent handling of the situation. His focus now shifts to the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, a crucial weekend that could significantly impact his Formula 1 future.

Why it matters:

• Driver safety is paramount in Formula 1, and any incident involving track personnel raises serious concerns about operational protocols.
• The FIA's apology and subsequent investigation highlight their commitment to preventing such occurrences, which are critical for maintaining the integrity and safety of the sport.
• For Lawson, this incident adds another layer to an already high-stakes season, as he competes for a permanent F1 seat amidst intense driver market competition.

The Details:

• During the Mexico City Grand Prix, Lawson re-joined the track from a pit stop and was forced to take evasive action to avoid two marshals at Turn 1.
• He immediately reported the incident on team radio, stating he “could have killed them” and calling the situation “unacceptable.”
• The FIA launched an investigation, clarifying that instructions for marshals to retrieve debris were rescinded just before Lawson's pit exit, leading to a communication breakdown.
• Controversial Statement: Mexico’s motorsport federation, OMDAI, initially blamed Lawson for not slowing sufficiently under yellow flags, a claim contradicted by the FIA's findings which cleared him of wrongdoing.
• FIA's Response: Lawson revealed the FIA privately apologized to him after the race, acknowledging the variables in the sport and emphasizing actions are being taken to prevent future incidents.
• Communication Breakdown: Lawson indicated his understanding that the near-miss was caused by marshals being released onto the track and then recalled, but not receiving the updated message.

Looking Ahead:

Lawson's attention is now firmly on the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, a Sprint weekend he sees as pivotal for his F1 career.

• With four drivers vying for three Red Bull-owned seats, his performance in Sao Paulo is crucial for securing a spot in 2026.
• He believes the Interlagos circuit, where he qualified a career-best fifth last season, offers an opportunity to reset and demonstrate his capabilities.
• Lawson aims to capitalize on the Sprint format to score points, emphasizing that strong performances are what will determine his future in Formula 1.