Mexican Federation Criticizes Lawson for Near-Miss with Marshals

The Mexican motorsport federation has accused Liam Lawson of failing to take sufficient action to avoid two marshals on track following a near-miss during Sunday's Mexico City Grand Prix. Lawson, driving for Racing Bulls, narrowly avoided a collision with marshals who had been dispatched to clear debris, sparking a debate over driver responsibility under double yellow flags.

Why it matters:

This incident highlights critical safety protocols in Formula 1, particularly concerning the deployment of marshals and driver reactions under caution. It underscores the ongoing tension between rapid track clearance and ensuring the absolute safety of trackside personnel, a paramount concern for the FIA and all teams.

The details:

• The Incident: After pitting for a new nosecone on lap two, Lawson re-joined the track and encountered two marshals clearing debris in the first sector. The FIA confirmed marshals were dispatched without awareness of Lawson's approach.
• FIA's Explanation: Instructions to send marshals out were rescinded, and double yellow flags were waved as soon as Lawson's approaching car was noted. The FIA's own investigation into the incident is ongoing.
• OMDAI Mexico's Accusation: OMDAI Mexico, an FIA-sanctioned body, issued a statement accusing Lawson of not slowing down sufficiently and failing to alter his trajectory despite double yellow flags and the clear presence of marshals.
  • OMDAI stated that Lawson's team had alerted him via radio about the double yellow flags and debris, emphasizing the need for 'extreme precautions'.
  • According to OMDAI, "The images clearly show that driver Liam Lawson maintains the steering wheel angle of his car when taking turn one, without changing his trajectory, even though the track marshals were crossing the track to return to their post."
• Double Yellow Flag Regulations: Double-waved yellow flags mandate drivers to significantly reduce speed, refrain from overtaking, and be prepared to change direction or stop due to a hazard or personnel on track.
• Alternative Interventions: More extreme safety measures, such as a Virtual Safety Car, Safety Car, or red flag, are available to the race director for such situations.

Between the lines:

OMDAI's stern public statement, separate from the FIA's internal investigation, suggests a strong local push for accountability and perhaps a perceived lack of adequate caution from the driver. This could lead to a deeper examination of how drivers interpret and react to warnings, especially in fast-paced scenarios where split-second decisions are critical. The timing of marshal deployment without full track awareness is also a significant point of concern.

What's next:

The FIA's investigation is expected to conclude soon, providing further clarity on the incident and potentially leading to new guidelines or penalties. This event will likely spark renewed discussions within F1 regarding real-time communication protocols, marshal safety, and driver training under specific caution flags. Racing Bulls has been requested for comment in response to OMDAI's statement.