New video footage has surfaced revealing the dangerous proximity Liam Lawson came to colliding with two track marshals who dashed across the track during the Mexico City Grand Prix. The Red Bull Racing driver had to decelerate swiftly to avoid a potential catastrophe on the third lap of the race.
The marshals stationed at turn one had received instructions regarding debris on the track and were instructed to wait until all cars had passed before entering the track to clear it. Unfortunately, they seemed unaware that Lawson had made a pit stop to replace his front wing that got damaged during the initial lap.
In a radio communication, the 23-year-old expressed shock, exclaiming, “The f***? Oh my god are you kidding me? Did you just see that? Oh my god dude. I could have f***ing killed them mate.”
Video footage from the sidelines depicted the peril the marshals were in, highlighting Lawson’s quick reactions that were pivotal in averting a disaster. Even after the Grand Prix concluded, the driver remained incredulous.
Reflecting on the incident, Lawson stated, “I honestly couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I came out on a new set of hards, and then I got to Turn One and there were just two dudes running across the track. I nearly hit one of them; honestly, it was so dangerous. Obviously, there’s been a miscommunication somewhere, but I’ve never experienced that before, and I haven’t really seen that in the past. It’s pretty unacceptable.
“We can’t understand how on a live track marshals can be allowed to just run across the track like that. I have no idea why. I’m sure we’ll get some sort of explanation, but it really can’t happen again.”
The FIA issued a statement endeavoring to clarify the circumstances that led to such a hazardous situation. They asserted that an investigation was underway to comprehend the sequence of events that unfolded.
They explained, “Following a turn one incident, race control was informed that debris was present on the track at the apex of that corner. On lap three, marshals were alerted and placed on standby to enter the track and recover the debris once all cars had passed.
“As soon as it became apparent that Lawson had pitted, the instructions to dispatch marshals were rescinded, and a double yellow flag was shown in that area. We are still investigating what occurred after that point.”
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