The organisers of the Brazilian Grand Prix have admitted to safety and security protocol failures after spectators invaded the circuit prior to the conclusion of Sunday’s race.
As Max Verstappen romped to a 17th victory of the Formula 1 season, spectators were seen overpowering circuit personnel as they fought their way onto the live race track with some competitors yet to take the chequered flag.
Stakeholders had agreed upon a time at which gates would be opened to allow fans to make their way to the main straight to witness the podium ceremony.
However, some fans clambered over fences ahead of time as circuit officials lost control of the situation.
The FIA summoned members of the Sao Paulo F1 Organisation (SPF1) after observing “a large group of spectators managed to break the security lines and accessed the run-off area at turn one while the race was finishing and cars were still on track.”
“SPF1 candidly admitted the failures in terms of the security protocols and safety measures,” race stewards subsequently noted.
“SPF1 concurred with the FIA sporting delegate and the race director report and agreed that comparable circumstances already occurred in Brazil and that this was an unacceptable situation which could have had disastrous consequences.
“SPF1 stated, in mitigation, that they would conduct a thorough investigation and take steps to remediate in time for the next event in Brazil.”
It was ruled that the promoter had failed to adhere to Article 12.2.1.h of the FIA’s International Sporting Code which prohibits “any unsafe act or failure to take reasonable measures, thus resulting in an unsafe situation.”
SPF1 will now investigate the security breaches and “present a formal remediation plan” to the FIA no later than January 31st.
The matter has also been forwarded to the FIA World Motor Sports Council for further investigation who will decide whether any further measures or action should be taken in addition to the remediation plans agreed with SPF1 already.
The 2023 Brazilian Grand Prix weekend saw a record attendance of 267,000 over the course of the weekend coinciding with the announcement that the event had been extended through 2030.
In April, a similar incident occurred in Melbourne when fans invaded the track before the conclusion of the Australian Grand Prix.
The Australian Grand Prix Corporation were instructed to carry out a comprehensive review of the track breach after spectators were able to reach the Haas of Nico Hulkenberg, which was left in a potentially unsafe condition electrically.
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