Forget the marmots: the track invasion in Canada could have had very serious consequences. While Max Verstappen was winning his sixth race of the season, a large number of fans managed to reach the circuit before its actual conclusion.
The cars had not yet returned to parc fermé, and spectators were already on the track during the victory lap. This posed a significant danger not only to the unsuspecting people but also to the drivers.
The FIA reacted by summoning a representative of the Octane Racing Group, promoter of the Canadian Grand Prix, before the stewards. There was a violation of Article 12.2.1.h of the FIA 2024 International Sporting Code (failure to take reasonable measures, resulting in a dangerous situation).
A similar incident seems to have occurred in the past in Canada. This time, the FIA took a softer measure.
“A large group of spectators managed to breach security lines and access the track in several areas. The race was ending, and the cars were still on the track,” read the stewards’ statement.
“The security measures and/or security agents and/or equipment provided for the event were either not applied or insufficient. This created an unsafe environment for spectators and drivers.”
The stewards noted that the promoter “candidly admitted that the security measures in place failed to prevent spectators from entering the track.” They agreed that there was an “unacceptable situation” at the end of the race when fans entered the track.
The promoter promised to “conduct a thorough investigation” and to take the necessary measures to prevent such incidents from happening again.
Octane Racing Group, however, expressed “disappointment” for having already “invested significant resources in improving security measures,” which “had the opposite effect.”
The promoter must now present an alternative plan to the FIA. This plan, to be submitted by September 30, will illustrate how they intend to prevent a recurrence of Sunday’s scenes. The stewards warned that if similar incidents occur, a “significant financial penalty” will be imposed.
Source: f1ingenerale
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