Race organisers have copped a heavy fine over a track invasion following Monday morning’s (AEDT) US Grand Prix.
The FIA said about 200 fans in the grandstand opposite pit lane scaled a fence, dropped about two metres, then scaled another fence and the barriers to get on to the track itself to be able to watch the podium.
Several cars were still finishing their cooldown lap after taking the chequered flag. Fans are allowed on to the track to watch the post race podium celebrations, but only after all the cars are off the track and a course car has passed their location.
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As a result, the FIA fined the organisers $812,000 for “failing to take reasonable measures, thus resulting in an unsafe situation”.
Australian Grand Prix organisers were also hauled in front of the stewards following the chaotic 2023 event over a similar issue.
As a result, it meant the popular tradition was banned for the 2024 event. It remains unclear if the tradition will return for 2025.
Premature track invasions are considered “serious safety violations”.
Track president Bobby Epstein said his staff “will review the video” but declined further comment.
The track must give the FIA by the end of the year a plan to prevent an invasion from happening again and a review of the entire track to identify and correct any areas where a similar violation could occur.
The FIA suspended about $570,000 of the fine until the end of 2026, provided no other track invasion problems happen at the circuit in the next two races.
The FIA also noted part of the fine was a suspended because it was the first time the track had a security breach, and that the event’s safety plan was “actually well implemented”.
The F1 season continues with the Mexican Grand Prix this weekend.
