Mexico’s motorsport federation has accused Liam Lawson of not doing enough to avoid a near miss by two marshals at Sunday’s Mexico City Grand Prix.
Lawson was following the rest of the field after stopping for a new nose cone at the end of lap two, narrowly avoiding a collision with two marshals sent to clear debris from the first section as he emerged from the pits.
The FIA explained that marshals were dispatched after the race without realizing that Lawson had pitted, instructions to send them onto the track were canceled and double yellow flags were waved as soon as the oncoming Racing Bulls car was spotted.
While the FIA’s own investigation into the incident is ongoing, FIA sanctioning body OMDAI Mexico issued a statement Thursday accusing Lawson of not slowing down enough when he encountered double yellow flags.
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Highlights of the Mexico City Grand Prix.
“Upon rejoining the track, Lawson encountered Panel 3, which displayed a ‘double yellow flag’ and the team alerted drivers by radio as the track marshal post waved a physical double yellow flag, indicating the presence of hazards and personnel working on the circuit,” OMDAI said in a statement.
“The Racing Bulls team has advised drivers that there is debris on the track and that this section is under double yellow flags and that they must take extreme precautions when driving through the area.
“Therefore, at that moment, the driver had to significantly reduce his speed, refrain from overtaking and be prepared to stop if necessary, in accordance with current safety regulations.”
A double-waved yellow flag indicates that drivers must slow down significantly, cannot overtake and must be prepared to swerve or stop because there is a hazard on the track or safety guards on or next to the circuit.
There are more extreme options that allow the race director to intervene, such as a virtual safety car, safety car or red flags.
Lawson suffered early damage and eventually retired from the race.
Lawson’s speed through the section was reduced compared to other laps, but ODMAI also criticized him for failing in his attempt to avoid the marshals.
ODMAI’s statement continued as follows: “The images clearly show driver Liam Lawson maintaining his vehicle’s steering wheel angle without changing his trajectory as he turns turn one, despite the track marshal crossing the track to return to his position.
“This behavior occurred while crews were working in the area, which shows that despite the apparent presence of security officers on the tracks, the driver did not obstruct the lines.”
It is understood that the ODMAI statement is completely separate from any further FIA communications about the incident expected at the end of the investigation.
Sky Sports News Racing Bulls has been contacted for comment in response to ODMAI’s statement.
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