Fewer stars on the starting grid in F1?
After the incidents during the warm-up lap of the Spanish Grand Prix, the number of people present on the grid before the start raises questions.
Access to stars, media, and guests before the start of motor racing events is a tradition. Since the Spanish Grand Prix, the FIA wants to reduce the number of people on this starting grid.
The reason: an incident involving Brazilian football star Neymar Jr. The Paris Saint-Germain forward remained on the field at the edge of the straight line during the warm-up lap of the Grand Prix in Catalonia.
An incident that goes wrong for the FIA. This is particularly troubling as the World Motor Sport Council awaits the findings of a review following the track invasion at the end of the Grand Prix of Australia last April, which led to the race officials being summoned before the commissioners.
« It is a problem not only in Formula 1 but also in Formula E and in the World Endurance Championship and in other categories according to my recent experiences with too many people on the grid during certain events, » explains Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA.
This year, additional security issues have been brought to light following the incident that occurred during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where photographers found themselves in the middle of the pit lane while Alpine driver, Esteban Ocon, was making his pit stop.
I have no doubt that in all cases, the promoter will respect the safety and security requirements of the FIA. It is the duty of the FIA to ensure a safe environment for everyone. Safety in motorsport is the main priority of the Federation, continued the president of the FIA since 2021.
