Unaired radio messages from the Miami GP have shed more light on the incident between Liam Lawson and Pierre Gasly. It appears that a technical problem with the Racing Bulls car was the direct cause of the heavy crash, in which Gasly’s Alpine flipped over in turn seventeen. The incident led to a retirement for both drivers and caused great alarm on the circuit.
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After the race, the FIA launched an investigation, but it quickly became clear that Lawson was not at fault. The New Zealander lost control of his car while braking for the hairpin, after which he hit Gasly. “The driver of car number 30 (Lawson, ed.) explained that he had a technical problem just before the collision, as his gearbox failed during braking,” the FIA stewards wrote in their report. “We have reviewed the data and telemetry and can confirm that there was clearly a gearbox failure just before the incident.”
“The radio communication confirmed this,” the report continued. “We therefore accept the driver’s explanation that it was a defect in a mechanical part of the car and that he could do nothing to avoid the collision.” It was decided not to take further action against Lawson. The Racing Bulls radio messages underline how suddenly the problem occurred.
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Immediately after the crash, Lawson reported: “The gearbox has failed,” followed by: “The car is going into anti-stall.” Shortly after, he clarified: “As soon as I brake, the car shifts to neutral and goes into anti-stall.” The problem occurred again later in turn one, but the pit wall did not respond. “Any information is welcome…,” he said frustratedly. “Something is broken, I can hear it. The gearbox… when I release the clutch, it makes a terrible noise.” Shortly after, he was called into the pits, ending his race.
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