Australian GP promoter found to breach rules after fans invade circuit

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation has been found in a serious rule breach after fans invaded the Albert Park street circuit while cars were still out on track.

The promoter of the Australian Grand Prix: the AGPC, was summoned to the stewards after the race as it was discovered fans had broken through security lines and accessed the circuit while cars were still driving around.

In the official document, the FIA stated the security measures and the protocols were not enforced which had resulted in an ‘unsafe environment for the spectators, drivers and race officials.’

It was also stated the fans who invaded the circuit were able to reach Nico Hulkenberg’s Haas which was parked on the exit of turn two.

To make matters worse, the stranded Haas was flashing red to notify those around that ‘the car was in an unsafe condition,’ and could potentially result in an electrical discharge.

It was stated the promoter has breached Article 12.2.1.h of the 2023 FIA International Sporting Code.

Following the event, the promoter admitted there were failures in the security protocols and safety measures, and agreed that it was an ‘unacceptable situation’ that could’ve had horrific consequences.

Through mitigation, the AGPC stated they could conduct a ‘thorough investigation and take steps to remediate in time for the next event in Australia.’ Other remedies to help prevent future incidents include:

• A comprehensive review into; the track breach, the marshals protecting Hulkenberg’s car and review of the plan will be conducted
• Results of the AGPC’s findings, with detailed recommendations, will be documented and issued to the FIA for comment and endorsement (if necessary)
• Consulting with Victoria Police, F1, the FIA and other relevant stakeholders.

The promoter has requested to be given until June 30, 2023, to carry out their proposal.

In conclusion, the FIA has stated:

“As this relates to serious issues around safety and security, the Stewards hereby request the FIA to review and comment on whether the abovementioned steps are adequate to address the concerns raised and to state if any further measure(s) need to be taken, as soon as possible.

“This should be done directly with the Promoter. The FIA should state a deadline for the same and comment on whether the Promoter’s requested deadline is acceptable.

“In addition, the Stewards hereby formally refer this incident to the FIA 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 presented by the Promoter (and reviewed by the FIA) to ensure the safe and orderly conduct of future events in Australia.”

That’s all for the article; Australian GP promoter found to breach rules after fans invade circuit!

What did you think of the fans being out on track? Let us know in the comments!

Read more Formula 1 here:

• FIA dismiss Haas provisional race classification protest
• Why Verstappen’s inch-perfect grid stop was legal
• Australian GP: Verstappen wins in red-flag-filled and chaotic race
• Australian GP: Verstappen on pole as both Mercedes round out top three
• Australian GP: Verstappen top in final practice as Perez struggles
• Australian GP: Alonso on top of FP2 in damp conditions

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Kamron Kent

Hi, I’m Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion.

I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I’ve loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.

Kamron Kent

Hi, I'm Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion. I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I've loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.