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 “As soon as it became apparent that Lawson had pitted, the instructions to dispatch marshals were rescinded, and a double yellow flag was shown in that area.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.”
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
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Formula 1 at its most iconic with an unforgettable trip to the 2027 Grand Prix de Monaco. Feel the excitement as the world’s best drivers race through the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, surrounded by superyachts, Mediterranean views, and the unmistakable glamour of Monaco. From incredible race viewing to carefully selected accommodations, Grand Prix Tours brings you closer to the action at one of the most prestigious and spectacular events in all of motorsport.
SHOW PACKAGES
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and endurance. Watch the world's top manufacturers battle for 24 nonstop hours in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. With Grand Prix Tours handling your accommodations, transfers, and ticket options, all that's left is to experience this unforgettable bucket-list race.
SHOW PACKAGES
Feel the roar of Formula 1 at its spiritual home. Silverstone is one of the fastest and most demanding circuits in the world, where brave overtakes, lightning-fast direction changes, and flat-out commitment separate the best from the rest. Combined with the electric atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of passionate fans, the British Grand Prix delivers a race weekend unlike any other.
SHOW PACKAGES