Liam Lawson has been criticised by the Mexican Motorsport Federation following a close call with two marshals in the Mexican Grand Prix. The Kiwi narrowly avoided two marshals recovering debris on lap 2 of the Mexican Grand Prix.
Wrong place wrong time
The Kiwi, trailing the rest of the field having just pitted at the end of lap two.
Heading into turn 1, Lawson narrowly avoided two marshals running across the track. The marshals had been instructed to recover debries from the earlier contact at turn 1.
After the race the FIA stated that the marshals were sent out onto the track unaware that Lawson had pitted. Once they had been made aware the instruction was removed and double waved yellows shown.
Yet the Mexican Motorsport Federation has been critical of Lawson, claiming he failed to take sufficient action to avoid the marshals.
The OMDAI Mexico, an FIA-sanctioned body, claimed that the Racing Bulls driver had failed to slow when approaching the yellow flags.
OMDAI Statement
“Upon re-joining the track, Lawson encounters panel three displaying ‘double yellow flags’, the team alerts the driver by radio well, as the track marshals’ post waving physical double yellow flags, indicating the presence of danger and personnel working on the circuit,” OMDAI’s statement 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 that he should take extreme precautions when driving through the area.”
Double waved yellow flags mean the driver must significantly reduce their speed, cannot overtake and must be prepared to stop.
Lawson’s speed through the section was significantly reduced in the sector as per the regulations. Despite this though, OMDAI have also accused him of failing to avoid the marshals.
OMDAI’s statement is said to be separate to the FIA’s investigation which is still on going.
Lawson replaced Mexican driver Sergio Perez at Red Bull for 2025. Yet he was demoted Racing Bulls after lacklustre performances in the first two rounds.
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