In a dramatic turn of events that had the Formula 1 world holding its breath, Red Bull's Liam Lawson has been officially cleared of any wrongdoing following a heart-stopping incident involving a track marshal during qualifying for the Mexican Grand Prix.
The FIA's comprehensive investigation has concluded that the New Zealand driver bore no responsibility for the marshal's unexpected track invasion, which occurred during a critical moment in Saturday's qualifying session.
The Incident That Shook Mexico City
During the high-pressure qualifying hour at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, chaos erupted when a marshal unexpectedly crossed the track directly in front of Lawson's approaching Red Bull. The incident prompted immediate red flags and raised serious questions about track safety protocols.
Initial reports suggested Lawson might have been travelling at excessive speeds, but the FIA's thorough analysis revealed a different story entirely.
FIA's Surprising Findings
According to the official investigation documents, Lawson was operating entirely within regulations and could not have reasonably anticipated the marshal's actions. The governing body determined that the driver's speed and positioning were appropriate for the session conditions.
"After reviewing all available evidence, including multiple camera angles and telemetry data, we have concluded that the driver involved could not have avoided or predicted the marshal's movement," stated an FIA spokesperson.
Safety Protocols Under Scrutiny
The incident has sparked renewed discussion about marshal training and track safety procedures at Formula 1 events. While the FIA confirmed Lawson's innocence, they have also initiated a review of marshal deployment protocols to prevent similar situations in future races.
Team principals and drivers alike have expressed relief at the outcome, while emphasising the need for continuous improvement in circuit safety measures.
Lawson, who maintained his composure throughout the investigation, can now focus entirely on his racing commitments, with this cloud of uncertainty officially lifted from his shoulders.
