FIA has cleared Liam Lawson of any wrongdoing in F1 Mexico GP incident with marshal, after OMDAI pointed fingers at the Kiwi driver.
After Visa Cash App RB’s Lawson called out the dangerous moment in F1 Mexico GP, the FIA relayed some information after the race where it pinned on potential miss-communication for the Kiwi to find a marshal clearing debris at Turn 1, left of his own car after contact with Carlos Sainz.
There was double yellow in the corner and the FIA had pulled back from the instruction given for track marshal to clear the debris after it found Lawson in the pits to change his front wing. It was unfortunate situation all-around, where fortunately the marshals escaped unharmed.
Few days since the incident, Mexico’s motorsport federation OMDAI put blame on Lawson for the near death of its track marshal. They released a document with images to state that he didn’t slowed down enough and he didn’t deviate as much from racing line, even though he could see the marshals.
The FIA, however, has cleared Lawson of any wrongdoing in a fresh statement released on Friday. While the investigation is ongoing, the governing body has informed that the telemetry from the Kiwi’s car suggests that he slowed the car enough avoid the marshals.
It added that the investigation needs more time since there is multiple language involved and multiple people involved, which needs corroboration. The FIA also thanked the volunteer and marshals for their work, while noting that OMDAI and Visa Cash App RB are together on this case.
“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,” said the FIA. “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.”
Here’s OMDAI on Liam Lawson situation
Here’s Liam Lawson and initial statement from FIA
Here’s Isack Hadjar on Mexico GP
