The Australian GP promoter has been found in breach of the rules after invading the F1 track

The Australian Grand Prix promoter has been found to be in serious breach of the FIA’s safety protocols and safety procedures after Formula 1 fans invaded the track before the race finished.

In an unusual move, the Australian Grand Prix has been officially called to the stewards of the race after the conclusion of a chaotic third round of the 2023 World Championship that has been red-flagged on three occasions.

A fourth red flag was shown after Red Bull’s Max Verstappen took the checkered flag after “a large group of spectators managed to break the security lines and access the track while the race was still in progress”, according to the FIA’s explanation.

Furthermore, fans had access to the stranded Haas of Nico Hulkenberg who stopped at the exit of Turn 2 after finishing seventh, and whose light the stewards said “was still flashing red (ie the car was in an unsafe condition with a possible dump). electrical” .

It found that the organizers of the event had breached Article 12.2.1.h of the FIA’s International Sport Code and asked the promoter to “submit an official remedy plan expeditiously to the FIA”.

The stewards stated that “security measures and protocols which would have been expected to be in place for the event were not implemented resulting in an unsafe environment for spectators, drivers and race officials” and stated that the matter would be referred to the World Motor Sport Council “for further investigation to determine whether action needs to be taken.” Any additional steps or application of sanctions outside the scope of the reform plan.

It comes after spectators crept onto the circuit in a lap of cool off after the 2017 Australian Grand Prix.

The AGPC investigation, which will look at existing protocols to examine how the track breach occurred and fans gained access to Hulkenberg’s car while in an unsafe condition, will be reviewed by the FIA ​​and will be conducted in consultation with the regional police.

The promoter requested that he be given until 30 June 2023 to carry out his investigation, although the stewards have stated that this would need to be approved by the FIA.