The FIA has pushed back hard against a stunning claim from Mexico’s national motorsport authority that Liam Lawson was to blame for his frightening near-miss with track marshals during last weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix
In a statement released on Friday, the governing body has called OMDAI Sport Mexico’s suggestion “incorrect” and defended Lawson’s conduct as “appropriate and safe.”
The confrontation between the FIA and its Mexican affiliate has added a dramatic twist to the already alarming incident that left the Racing Bulls driver baffled and sparked widespread concern across the paddock.
The drama unfolded on lap three at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Following a contact with Carlos Sainz at the start, Lawson pitted for a new front wing, only to find himself moments later charging into Turn 3 and staring at two marshals crossing the live racetrack.
“I honestly couldn't believe what I was seeing,” Lawson said after the race. “I got to Turn 1 and there were two dudes just running across the track. And I nearly hit one of them. Honestly, it was so dangerous.
“Obviously, there's been a miscommunication somewhere, but I've never experienced that before, I've only seen that in the past. It's pretty unacceptable.
“We obviously can't understand how, on a live track, marshals can be allowed to just run across the track like that. I have no idea why, but I'm sure we'll get some explanation.”
The marshals had reportedly been deployed to clear debris from the race’s chaotic opening, but the order to enter the track was rescinded when Lawson’s pit stop eliminated the safety gap that had briefly opened.
FIA Clears Lawson, Calls for Calm and Careful Review
OMDAI Sport Mexico quickly issued a statement blaming Lawson for not slowing sufficiently under the double yellow flags that were deployed at the corner – a claim that triggered the FIA’s sharp rebuttal on Friday.
“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,” the FIA stated.
“He is not at fault in this incident. 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.”
The governing body added that its own internal investigation into the dangerous moment remains ongoing.
“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,” the FIA continued.
“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 1 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.”
The FIA’s firm response effectively exonerates Lawson, while shining a light on a potential breakdown in track-side communication during the race.
The governing body’s commitment to a detailed probe suggests the matter is far from over – but the tone leaves little doubt about where the blame doesn’t lie.
For Lawson, the takeaway was simple: relief that the marshals escaped harm – and disbelief that the scene unfolded at all.
For Formula 1’s regulators, it’s another reminder that even in the most controlled environment in motorsport, one slip in communication can have perilous consequences.
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