FIA issues statement after Liam Lawson accused over marshals running in front of F1 car

The FIA has absolved Liam Lawson of any wrongdoing in an update on the investigation into how a Formula 1 car came close to mowing down two marshals crossing the track during the Mexico City Grand Prix. It happened early in the race after Lawson emerged from the pit lane to have his front wing replaced, after contact with another car on the opening lap.

There was debris on track which the marshals were instructed to clear once all cars had made it through turn one. However, when it became clear that Lawson had pitted and was due to come through that corner shortly, race control cancelled that order.

Regardless, two marshals were seen running across the track just as Lawson rounded the corner, the Racing Bulls driver forced to take evasive action. The alarmed New Zealander then shouted over the radio: "Mate, what the f***? Oh my god, are you kidding me? Oh my god, mate. I could have f***ing killed them, mate."

The FIA said after the race that it was investigating what happened but, in a remarkable statement this week, Mexico's motorsport governing body OMDAI accused Lawson of creating the danger. They 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.

"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 images clearly show that driver Liam Lawson maintains the steering wheel angle of his car when taking turn one... The driver did not interrupt his line despite the obvious presence of marshals on the track."

The FIA has now issued a statement of its own, providing an update on its investigation and making it clear that, in the eyes of motorsport's governing body, Lawson did nothing wrong.

It read: "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. He is not at fault in this incident."

The FIA added that their review into the circumstances is ongoing and admitted: "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.

"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 and with Racing Bulls Formula One 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."