Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson came terrifyingly close to a serious accident during a chaotic start to the Mexico Grand Prix, narrowly avoiding two track marshals in a harrowing moment that left the Kiwi driver visibly shaken.
The incident occurred on the opening lap, when multiple drivers veered off the circuit, triggering a chain reaction that saw Lawson make contact with Carlos Sainz and Franco Colapinto.
The collision damaged the 22-year-old Kiwi’s front wing and ultimately ended his race.
But the drama was far from over.
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Moments after leaving the pit lane on lap two, Lawson was confronted by two marshals running across the track, attempting to avoid being hit after clearing debris from the tarmac.
Onboard footage captured the terrifying moment as the marshals darted across the tarmac while Lawson narrowly avoided hitting them, slowing significantly under double yellow flags.
"Wait, the f---? Oh my God, are you kidding me? Did you just see that?" Lawson told his team radio.
"I could've f---ing killed him mate."
Speaking to the media after the race, Lawson recounted the frightening moments, describing just how dangerous the situation was and expressing disbelief that marshals were allowed on the track in such a manner.
"I honestly couldn’t believe what I was seeing," Lawson said.
"Boxed [pitted], came out on a new set of hards [tyres], 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."