Liam Lawson Faces Scrutiny After Dangerous Incident at Mexican GP

The Mexican Grand Prix witnessed a harrowing moment involving New Zealand driver Liam Lawson, who has been criticized for not reducing speed under double-waved yellow flags. This incident occurred during the race held on October 29, 2023, when Lawson encountered two track marshals at Turn One while returning from a pit stop.

After sustaining damage to his car early in the race, Lawson entered the pit lane for a new nosecone. Upon exiting, he was surprised to find marshals actively clearing debris on the track. The unexpected sight left him visibly shaken, as he communicated his concern over the radio. “Wait, the f***? Oh my God, are you kidding me? Did you just see that?” he exclaimed, adding, “I could’ve f***ing killed him, mate.”

The motorsport governing body in Mexico, OMDAI, has launched an investigation into the incident. They released a statement indicating that Lawson was informed of the debris and the ongoing double yellow flag conditions, which required him to significantly reduce his speed and exercise caution.

“Therefore, at that moment, the driver had to significantly reduce his speed, refrain from overtaking, and be prepared to stop if necessary, in compliance with current safety regulations,” the statement noted. OMDAI’s analysis of onboard footage revealed that as Lawson approached Turn One, he did not alter his racing line despite the presence of track marshals who were actively working on the circuit.

The statement further emphasized that Lawson’s car came too close to the marshals, who were in the process of clearing the track. “The proximity of the car to the work area shows that the track marshals were still active within the risky area, performing cleaning and safety tasks on the circuit,” it read.

After the race, Lawson expressed disbelief at the situation, stating, “I honestly couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I got to Turn One, and there were two dudes just running across the track. And I nearly hit one of them. Honestly, it was so dangerous.” He highlighted a failure in communication that allowed marshals to cross the track while the race was ongoing, calling the scenario “pretty unacceptable.”

Lawson’s experience raises questions about safety protocols during Formula One races, particularly regarding the coordination between drivers and track officials. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring that such dangerous situations do not occur in the future.

With the FIA also monitoring the situation, the motorsport community awaits further clarification on the events that led to this alarming near-miss. The safety of both drivers and marshals is paramount, and this incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers present in motorsport.