On Monday, the race director of the Australian Grand Prix promised a thorough investigation. Which after fans invaded the track before the race had formally ended. Saying the outcome “could have been horrific.”
The FIA, the sport’s governing body, summoned organizers for an explanation late Sunday after the race. Declaring the invasion a severe breach of the sporting code. And demanding they “urgently present a formal remediation plan.”
A “large group” of the 131,000-strong audience squeezed through barriers. what’s more climbing fences just meters from speeding cars near the end of a dramatic race won by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
Some were able to approach Nico Hulkenberg’s stranded Haas. Which had parked on the exit of Turn 2 after finishing seventh.
According to the FIA, “security measures and protocols expected to be in place for the event were not enforced. Resulting in an unsafe environment for spectators, drivers, and race officials.”
The Australian Grand Prix Corporation’s Andrew Westacott stated that the organizers were still unsure of what occurred. But that it was unacceptable.
“There’s a controlled allowance of people coming onto the track after the race has finished. And after the safety car passes,” he told ABC.
Spectators broke the line
“We don’t know how it happened yet, but spectators had broken one of the lines.”
Westacott stated that officials would examine security cameras to determine how the breach happened.
“We have a lot of CCTV and a huge amount of footage that we’ll have to go through over the next couple of weeks,” he said. And “Motorsport is dangerous… it could have turned out horribly.”
“No one does anything malicious in motorsport; it’s an unbelievably well-behaved crowd. But I think they were confused.” We’re not sure how they got into the region without the proper authority.”
After three red flags, Verstappen’s victory increased his advantage over teammate Sergio Perez in the world championship to 15 points after three races.
Red Bull leads the constructors’ rankings by 58 points. Along with Aston Martin second and Mercedes third.