Liam Lawson: Mexican motorsport federation criticizes Racing Bulls driver for role in near-miss with stewards | F1 News
The Mexican motorsport federation has accused Liam Lawson of failing to take the necessary measures to avoid two marshals on track following a near-accident during the Mexico Grand Prix on Sunday.
Lawson was trailing the rest of the field after stopping for a fresh nose at the end of the second lap, and upon exiting the pits he narrowly avoided a collision with two marshals who had been sent to clear debris in the first sector.
The FIA explained after the race that the marshals had been sent without knowing that Lawson had stopped, and that instructions to send them on track had been canceled and double yellow flags were waved as soon as the presence of the approaching Racing Bulls car was noted.
While the FIA’s own investigation into the incident is ongoing, OMDAI Mexico, an FIA-sanctioned body, released a statement on Thursday accusing Lawson of failing to slow down sufficiently when he encountered the double yellow flags.
“On rejoining the track, Lawson encounters panel three displaying ‘double yellow flags’, the team alerts the driver by radio, while the track marshals station waves physical double yellow flags, indicating the presence of danger and personnel working on the circuit,” the OMDAI press release said.
“The Racing Bulls team informed the driver that there was debris on the track and that this section was under a double yellow flag, so he needed to take extreme precautions when passing through the area.
“Therefore, at that time the driver was required to significantly reduce speed, refrain from overtaking and be prepared to stop if necessary, in accordance with current safety regulations.”
Double-waving yellow flags mean that drivers must significantly reduce speed, cannot overtake and must be prepared to change direction or stop due to the presence of a hazard on the track and/or the presence of marshals on or adjacent to the circuit.
There are more extreme intervention options available to the race director, such as a virtual safety car, safety car or red flag.
Lawson ultimately withdrew from the race after suffering early damage
Lawson’s speed in this section was reduced compared to the other laps, but ODMAI also accused him of failing to attempt to avoid the marshals.
The ODMAI press release continued: “The images clearly show that driver Liam Lawson maintained the angle of the steering wheel of his car during the first corner, without changing course, even though the marshals were crossing the track to return to their positions.
“This action occurred while personnel were still working in the area, which shows that the driver did not interrupt his line despite the obvious presence of marshals on the track.”
ODMAI’s statement is considered completely separate from any other communication from the FIA on the incident, which is expected at the conclusion of its investigation.
Sky Sports News requested comment from Racing Bulls in response to the ODMAI statement.
The exciting Formula 1 title race continues in Brazil with a sprint weekend at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix from November 7-9, live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
