The FIA has swiftly acted to absolve Liam Lawson of wrongdoing in his part of the on-track marshalling incident at the Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix, after being blamed by the local motorsport federation.
Lawson had re-entered the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on Lap 3, after having pitted for a repair job due to contact with Carlos Sainz at Turn 1 on the opening lap of the race.
The Kiwi was approaching the very same corner when he encountered two marshals clearing debris, and only his fast reactions saw him avoid collecting both men.
Lawson frantically confessed he “could have f***ing killed them” over radio, before retiring from the race shortly afterwards.
The FIA said immediately after the race that is was trying to fully understand how and why the incident occurred, but the OMDAI Sport Mexico federation issued a statement in which it placed full blame on the Racing Bulls driver.
FIA statement in full – ‘Lawson slowed appropriately’
But in response, the sport’s governing body has issued a statement which is in full support of Lawson, saying he “slowed appropriately” and confirmed the results of a review into the incident would be published.
“Whilst the investigation remains ongoing, we acknowledge that any situation where marshals find themselves on track in front of oncoming cars is something we never want to see, and hence it is natural that such an incident will provoke concern and numerous comments,” it read.
“It is fortunate this incident did not result in any serious consequences, but we are conducting an internal investigation to understand exactly what happened and to identify any areas where procedures can be improved.
“We are collaborating openly and transparently for this purpose with the OMDAI [Mexican Automobile Club] and with Racing Bulls Formula One Team, with the ultimate objective to achieve our common aim, which is to always improve the safety of our Sport.
“As with all serious incidents, the full analysis will take some time, as it involves collecting and reviewing all relevant evidence, including radio communications in multiple languages from the various parties involved, and synchronising all of these diverse inputs. The findings will be shared once the review is complete.
“Having analysed the telemetry from the incident, we can confirm that the driver of Car #30, Liam 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. He is not at fault in this incident.
“Finally, we would like to express our sincere thanks to the volunteers and marshals for their professionalism and dedication — without them, our sport could not operate safely.”
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