FIA Exonerates Liam Lawson in Mexico Marshal Incident: Full Statement & Safety Review
The FIA has officially absolved Liam Lawson of any blame following a near-miss with two marshals during the Mexico City Grand Prix, after a detailed analysis of telemetry data and race communications confirmed the Racing Bulls driver reacted appropriately to the situation.
The Incident: What Happened in Mexico City?
On lap three of the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix, Liam Lawson exited the pit lane after an earlier collision with Carlos Sainz. As he approached Turn 1, two marshals ran across the track to collect debris. Lawson, visibly shocked, radioed his team: “I nearly killed one of them, mate.” The moment sparked immediate concern over track safety and marshal protocols.
FIA Investigation: Lawson Not at Fault
Following the race, the Mexican motorsport federation (OMDAI) initially suggested Lawson had not slowed sufficiently under double yellow flags. However, the FIA later released a comprehensive statement confirming that Lawson had, in fact, braked earlier and passed the scene at a significantly reduced speed. Telemetry data showed full compliance with safety protocols, and the FIA concluded: “He is not at fault in this incident.”
Ongoing Safety Review and FIA Collaboration
The FIA emphasized that while Lawson has been cleared, a full internal investigation is still underway. The governing body is working closely with OMDAI and Racing Bulls to understand how marshals ended up on a live track and to prevent similar incidents in the future. The review includes multilingual radio communications and race control logs, with findings to be published once complete.
Lawson’s Reaction and Broader Implications
Lawson expressed disbelief at the situation, calling it “unacceptable” and highlighting a clear breakdown in communication. The incident has reignited discussions about marshal safety and the need for stricter coordination between race control and on-track personnel. The FIA has reiterated its gratitude to marshals while acknowledging the need for procedural improvements.
Sources:
RacingNews365 – FIA release new statement after terrifying Liam Lawson-F1 marshal incident
The Guardian – Liam Lawson cleared of blame by FIA for marshals scare at Mexico Grand Prix
Motorsport.com – FIA: Liam Lawson not at fault for marshal near-miss in F1 Mexico GP