The promoter of the United States Grand Prix has been fined after approximately 200 individuals invaded the track while drivers were still completing their cool down laps.
A large group of spectators in the grandstand beside pit straight climbed a small fence and descended about 2 meters to the ground between the grandstand and the track debris fencing.
They then passed under the debris fencing and scaled the trackside wall (about 1 meter high) before entering the main straight.
All of this took place while the racing cars were still on the track finishing their cool down lap after the chequered flag.
The Stewards listened to representations from individuals representing the Promoter, US Race Management, and the FIA.
The ASN steward was deemed unbiased as he had no ties to the promoting body or sporting organizer.
While there hadn’t been any track incursions at this circuit in its 12-year history of Formula 1 events, it was noted that crowd behavior is an evolving concern, and safety measures should evolve accordingly. It was considered foreseeable that the incursion could have happened.
Although the Safety Plan for allowing the public on the track was well executed, the incursion occurred due to a failure to identify a potential incursion area not addressed in that plan.
The FIA requested the matter be dealt with by the Stewards of the Event, which was agreed upon by the Sporting Organiser and Promoter.
As a result, the Promoter was found to have breached a specific article of the FIA International Sporting Code and needs to submit a remediation plan to the FIA by December 31, 2024.
Given recent track incursions, a fine of €500,000 was imposed to prioritize public safety. However, €350,000 of the fine is suspended until December 31, 2026 if no further track incursions occur at this circuit during any FIA Championship Event.
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