Oct.28 (GMM) Formula 1’s governing body is facing heavy criticism following a chaotic Mexican GP – with drivers, team bosses, and pundits slamming inconsistent officiating and a near-miss involving marshals on track.
The most alarming moment came when Liam Lawson narrowly avoided hitting marshals who ran across the circuit. “Oh my God, are you kidding me?” the Racing Bulls driver shouted over team radio. “I could have f***ing killed them.”
The FIA issued a statement to explain how such a lapse could occur in the sport’s supposedly safety-obsessed era. “As soon as it became apparent that Lawson had pitted, the instructions to dispatch marshals were rescinded, and a double yellow flag was shown in that area.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.”
The incident compounded anger over another FIA call – deploying a Virtual Safety Car with just two laps to go as Max Verstappen was closing on Charles Leclerc for second place. Williams driver Carlos Sainz had spun off and retired with smoke from his car, but replays showed he was already behind barriers on a slow section of the track.
Dr Helmut Marko described it as “a late farewell gift” from Sainz to his former team Ferrari.
The FIA again defended its decision. “As is standard procedure when marshals are deployed to recover a car, the race is neutralised – in this case, a Virtual Safety Car (VSC) was triggered until the car was moved to a safe location behind the barriers.
“The VSC ended as soon as the car was in a protected position, and the race concluded under green-flag conditions.”
Critics scoffed at that reasoning after onboard footage showed Sainz driving behind the barriers himself. The FIA later released a helicopter image to argue that his car was still partially exposed.
Former F1 driver Christijan Albers told De Telegraaf the decision “ruined” the race’s finish. “I’ve never experienced anything like this. You just want a fight on the last lap. What is this?
“I really don’t want the FIA’s explanation anymore – I haven’t even read it. I’m not interested in those reports.”
He called the smoke justification ridiculous. “When you switch off a Formula 1 car, it always smokes a little,” he said, adding that the marshals’ incident with Lawson was the one that actually did warrant a safety car.
Albers said inconsistent officiating has become a defining issue of the season.
“Which race this season has gone well for the FIA? When has it gone smoothly?” he asked.
“They can’t handle criticism. They’re quick to hand out penalties and long explanations, but never admit mistakes or say how they’ll improve. You never hear that, and it disappoints me.”
“The FIA generates enormous money – these kinds of mistakes shouldn’t happen,” he added. “Did you see the chaos at the start and how long it took them to show the footage? It was a real mess.”
Drivers were equally incensed. George Russell fumed that cars cutting corners at the start went unpunished. “In the end, those who followed the rules were the losers,” he said.
Aston Martin official Mike Krack revealed that Fernando Alonso was “very angry” about inconsistent decisions. “At Turn 1 it sometimes seems like everyone does whatever they want,” he said. “I understand why the FIA doesn’t want to make mistakes, but it’s difficult – and it doesn’t happen the same way at every circuit.”
Alonso himself was sarcastic. “Well, cutting corners is allowed now, right?” he said. “You can make an escape move to avoid contact, that’s fine – but you can’t go flat out and gain two or three positions.
“We’ll just try to take advantage of it next time.”
Lewis Hamilton also criticised the FIA after receiving a time penalty while Verstappen escaped sanction for a similar move. “I’m very disappointed with the governing body,” he said. “There’s a clear double standard – everyone can see that. But it is what it is.”
Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur agreed. “That wasn’t handled well,” he said. “I’m not saying penalties should vary by circuit, but you have to understand what you’re doing. Those ten seconds cost us P4.”
As Albers summed up: “It’s always something. Every weekend there’s confusion, inconsistency, or delay. It’s just not good enough for Formula 1.”
The Monaco Grand Prix, often called the crown jewel of Formula 1, is one of the most prestigious races in the world and part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport alongside the Indy 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Starting in 2026, the race will move from May to June to better align with the F1 schedule, placing the Canadian Grand Prix earlier in the season. Grand Prix Tours has taken care of all of the details and has arranged an amazing motorsports vacation. Call 949 719 3350 to book your trip or to contact us with any questions.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix at the iconic Red Bull Ring; a fan favorite that rarely disappoints. Set in Austria’s stunning Styrian Hills, this scenic circuit is famous for its dramatic elevation changes and thrilling uphill turns. We’ve planned every detail so you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours at the legendary Silverstone Circuit for the 2026 British Grand Prix; the birthplace of modern F1. This isn’t just race weekend; you’ll visit the British Motor Museum, explore the Silverstone Museum, and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Factory. With over 40 years of experience hosting this trip, we’ve thought of every detail for the ultimate F1 fan experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 32nd Goodwood Festival of Speed in the South of England, a long summer weekend celebrating the greatest moments in motorsport. Held at the magnificent Goodwood House, this world-renowned event showcases an unparalleled collection of historic and modern racing cars from the past 125 years. We’ve taken care of every detail so you can enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Grand Prix Tours delivers the ultimate 2026 Belgian Grand Prix experience on July 19 at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps. Famed for its stunning setting, rich racing history, and iconic corners like Eau Rouge, Spa offers one of Formula 1’s most thrilling weekends, complete with unpredictable weather and nonstop action. With only a one-year contract in place, this could be your last chance to witness F1 at this historic circuit.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Northern Italy like a true motorsport insider on our Italian Extravaganza, the perfect lead-in to the Italian Grand Prix. Journey through the heart of Italy’s legendary supercar region with exclusive access and behind-the-scenes insights into iconic brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Pagani, and more. Along the way, enjoy a unique visit to a family-run balsamic vinegar producer for an authentic tasting experience. For car enthusiasts, this is the ultimate way to elevate your Italian Grand Prix weekend.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours in Northern Italy for the unforgettable 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza. With over 95 years of racing history, passionate Ferrari fans, and electrifying post-race celebrations, Monza delivers one of the most thrilling weekends in motorsport. Enjoy a seamless experience with accommodations in stunning Como, airport and track transfers, and an exclusive pre-race dinner with a racing celebrity, backed by our 40+ years of expertise at this iconic event.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES