Racing Bulls CEO Backs Liam Lawson After Marshal Near-Miss in Mexico

Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer has staunchly defended Liam Lawson after the driver's frightening near-miss with two marshals at the Mexico City Grand Prix, unequivocally stating Lawson followed all regulations.

Why it matters:

This incident highlights critical safety protocols and communication challenges within Formula 1 race organization, especially concerning marshal safety during live race conditions. The divergent interpretations of blame between the Mexican motorsport federation and the FIA underscore the need for clear, universal safety standards and swift communication to prevent potentially tragic outcomes.

The details:

• The Incident: During the Mexico City Grand Prix, after an early pit stop, Liam Lawson encountered two marshals clearing debris at the exit of Turn 1. Lawson expressed his shock over team radio, stating he "could have killed them," emphasizing the severity of the situation.
• Conflicting Blame: The Mexican motorsport federation initially assigned blame to Lawson, suggesting he could have done more to avoid the seriousness of the situation. However, the FIA conducted its own investigation and absolved Lawson of any wrongdoing.
• Bayer's Defense: Peter Bayer, Racing Bulls CEO, has fully accepted the FIA's ruling. He stressed that Lawson acted correctly and adhered to all protocols, stating, "He followed the regulations."
• Team Communication: Bayer also praised Lawson's race engineer for issuing an early warning about double yellow flags ahead, indicating effective in-team communication in a rapidly unfolding dangerous situation.

The big picture:

The incident underscores a broader issue of track safety and the coordination between race control, local organizers, and marshals during active racing. While the FIA has cleared Lawson, the initial conflicting statements point to a potential systemic vulnerability in how safety is managed at different levels within the sport. This event serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers for marshals and drivers alike when communication breaks down.

What's next:

The FIA's investigation into the incident is reportedly ongoing, focusing on what exactly went wrong in terms of communication and organization. This review is crucial to implement improvements that ensure such dangerous situations are avoided in the future, reinforcing the safety of both drivers and the essential trackside personnel who make racing possible.