Brazilian Grand Prix organisers will be investigated by the FIA over major safety breach – with large number of fans invading the track while Lewis Hamilton and Co’s cars were STILL on it
- Stewards acknowledged fans had gained access to the run-off area at Turn 1
- F1 has extended its contract with the Sao Paulo circuit – but there are safety fears
- The FIA will investigate the breaches of safety protocol ahead of the 2024 race
Brazilian Grand Prix organisers have vowed to fix safety failures and for next year after spectators invaded the track before the end of Sunday’s Formula One race.
Stewards said in a statement that a large group of spectators had accessed the run off area at Turn 1 while cars were still on the track.
The Sao Paulo F1 Organisation (SPF1) had ‘candidly admitted the failures in terms of the security protocols and safety measures’, they added.
‘SPF1 stated, in mitigation, that they would conduct a thorough investigation and take steps to remediate in time for the next event in Brazil.’
The stewards ordered organisers to present the formal remediation plan to the governing FIA by the end of next January.
A large number of fans prematurely gained access to the track at the Brazilian Grand Prix, finding the run off area at Turn 1. (Pictured: Fans after race watching the podium presentation)
Sunday’s race in Sao Paulo was won by reigning world champion Max Verstappen (pictured)
The matter was also referred to the FIA’s World Motor Sports Council for ‘a further investigation to determine whether any additional steps need to be taken or penalties applied beyond the remediation plan.’
The Brazilian circuit is one of the most atmospheric on the calendar and track invasions after the race have become common, even with no Brazilian drivers.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won on Sunday for the 17th time this season.
Formula One announced earlier in the week that it had extended the contract for Sao Paulo to host the Brazilian race until 2030, a five-year extension as the current contract had been due to expire in 2025.
‘I can’t wait for many more years of the wonderful atmosphere that the Brazilian fans bring,’ F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali said at the announcement. ‘This iconic circuit is a favourite of drivers and fans.’
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