The FIA opens an investigation into the invasion of the circuit in São Paulo
The organizers of the São Paulo Grand Prix have been called out by the FIA in a report highlighting a breach of security. A group of spectators managed to bypass security measures, even while the drivers were still on the track. This is a serious incident that the FIA will not overlook, addressing it with the SPF1 organizers.
The São Paulo Grand Prix ended yesterday with another victory in Max Verstappen’s pocket. A Grand Prix with its share of sporting twists and unfortunately also non-sporting ones. As most of the drivers were crossing the finish line on the last lap, a large group of spectators managed to pass the security lines and access the exit zone of turn 1 while the race was finishing and the cars were still on track, stated the FIA in a report.
In Formula 1, at the end of the race and once the cars are back in the pits, it is normal to see spectators invading the track for the podium ceremony. But it seems that at Interlagos, some spectators showed impatience and did not wait for the vehicles to return to the pits. Yesterday, SPF1, the organization responsible for overseeing the Grand Prix, frankly admitted failures in terms of security protocols and security measures, while the promoter also acknowledged that similar circumstances have already occurred in Brazil and that it is an unacceptable situation that could have had disastrous consequences.
An incident that is not at all to the liking of the FIA, which, following these events, has summoned a representative of SPF1 before the sporting commissioners to explain. Subsequently, it was reported that safety standards were not applied and/or were not sufficient, creating a dangerous environment for spectators and drivers.
They have been ordered to submit a formal remediation plan to the FIA by January 2024, addressing adequately the serious concerns. The organizers have also been referred to the FIA World Motor Sport Council for further investigation to determine if additional measures need to be taken or sanctions applied beyond the remediation plan.
This is not the first time an incident of this kind happens in a Formula 1 Grand Prix. Last April, during the Australian Grand Prix, spectators managed to bypass security during the race.
The Brazilian Grand Prix this weekend gathered a record number of 267,000 spectators over three days, averaging 89,000 per day. On Friday, Formula 1 announced that they have extended their contract with the promoter to keep the race on the calendar until at least 2030.
