The promoter of the United States Grand Prix in Austin was hit with a heavy financial fine after some fans entered the track while the cars were still on their victory lap.
It is customary in F1 to see fans running from their stands towards the podium once the race is over. However, the organizers must respect a strict framework for the safety of all.
After the race, in an unusual document, the stewards summoned the organizer and promoter of the Austin Grand Prix, following an incident linked to an invasion of the track.
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An incident involving around 200 people
Indeed, this Sunday in Austin an invasion of the track took place in an unauthorized manner and which could have gone wrong since the cars were still on the track at the time of the incident.
“A large group of spectators, estimated at around 200 people, in the grandstand along the pit straight, climbed over a small barrier and fell approximately 2 meters to the ground between the grandstand and the anti-crash protection barrier. runway debris”the commissioners said.
“They then went under the fence and climbed the track wall (approximately one meter high) before entering the main straight. All this happened while the cars were still on the track and doing their deceleration lap after the checkered flag.”
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A heavy fine for the promoter
The commissioners also detailed that “the incursion occurred due to the failure to identify a potential incursion area which had not been taken into account in the security plan.”
To prevent such a problem from recurring, the developer will have to provide solutions by the end of 2024. “The promoter is required, by December 31, 2024, to submit to the FIA a formal remediation plan which, in the opinion of the FIA, adequately addresses this issue and also assesses whether there are other potential incursion zones around the circuit”noted the commissioners.
Concerning the financial penalty imposed, the commissioners sent a strong signal to all promoters: “Given the seriousness of the incursion, a fine of 500,000 euros is imposed on the promoter.”
“Given that this is the first case of this type on this circuit, €350,000 of the fine is suspended until December 31, 2026, provided that, by then, there is no have more forays on this circuit during an FIA Championship event.”
In fact, the promoter therefore faces an immediate fine of 150,000 euros, which remains a very significant sum. The commissioners also recommended to the FIA that these 150,000 euros “be dedicated to improving safety in motorsport by the FIA Safety Department.”
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