Liam Lawson stated it was “unacceptable” that two marshals have been on observe when he approached at racing velocity early within the Mexico Metropolis Grand Prix.
The Racing Bulls driver suffered injury to his entrance wing and pitted on the finish of the second lap when particles was reported in Flip 1. When Lawson left the pits, he encountered two marshals within the middle of the circuit between Turns 1 and a pair of and needed to take evasive motion, despite the fact that the race was nonetheless being broadcast dwell.
“Actually, I could not imagine what I used to be seeing,” Lawson stated. “I went into the field and got here out with a brand new onerous set and after I received to Flip 1 there have been solely two folks working throughout the observe. To be trustworthy, I nearly hit considered one of them. It was very harmful.”
“Clearly there was a miscommunication someplace, however I’ve by no means skilled something like that earlier than, and I’ve by no means actually seen something prefer it up to now. That is utterly unacceptable. I do not perceive why marshals can be allowed to run throughout the observe like that on a dwell observe. I do not know why. I am certain we’ll get some rationalization, however one thing like this actually cannot occur once more.”
Lawson’s group radio on the time defined his shock:
Lawson: “Wait, son of a bitch, what the hell are you kidding?! Did you simply see that?”
engineer: “Sure, I noticed it.”
Lawson: “Oh my god, dude.”
engineer“Oh, you probably did job of avoiding me.”
Lawson: “You possibly can have killed them, dude.”
The FIA stated marshals have been lining as much as take away particles as the sector turned crowded, however the race was known as off after Lawson pitted and fell behind.
“Following the Flip 1 incident, race management was suggested of the presence of particles on the observe on the apex of the nook,” an FIA assertion stated. “On the third lap, the marshals have been alerted and stood by, and in spite of everything automobiles had handed Flip 1, they entered the observe to gather the particles.
“As quickly because it turned clear that Lawson had pitted, the marshal order was rescinded and double yellow flags have been displayed within the space. What occurred subsequent remains to be below investigation.”
The FIA additionally defined why the digital security automobile interval was quick on the finish of the race after Carlos Sainz stopped, briefly suspending the battle for place on the penultimate and remaining laps.
“On lap 70, Sainz spun and got here to a cease within the exterior run-off space of Flip 14. His automobile got here to relaxation in an uncovered place. The automobile then started to smoke and race management acquired notification of a fireplace and it was clear that restoration would require the intervention of marshals. As is normal process when marshals are known as out to recuperate a automobile, the race was disabled and on this case the Digital Security Automobile (VSC) was activated. The automobile was moved to a protected location behind the fence. As quickly because the automobile was in its protected place, the VSC was terminated and the race ended below inexperienced flag circumstances.
