The promoter of the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix, the Octane Racing Group, was summoned by the FIA after a track invasion occurred at the end of Sunday’s race.
After the chequered flag was waved and competitors toured back around to the pits on the cooldown lap, a number of spectators made their way onto the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal before all cars had made their way onto Parc Ferme.
Whilst fans of classic F1 will recall the likes of Nigel Mansell being buried by spectators at Silverstone after victory in 1992, track invasions are no longer looked upon kindly due to a myriad of health and safety concerns.
According to Autosport, Sunday wasn’t the first instance of spectators invading the Montreal-based circuit and the FIA chose to respond by summoning the race promoters.
The Race Stewards found the promoters to be in breach of article 12.2.1.h of the International Sporting Code, which cites a “failure to take reasonable measures, thus resulting in an unsafe situation”.
The verdict was reached upon hearing from representatives from the race promoter, the FIA and a review of video evidence.
“The Promoter candidly admitted that the safety measures in place did not achieve the goal to prevent spectators from entering the track,” read the Stewards’ decision. “They concurred with the FIA Sporting Delegate and the Race Director report and agreed that this was an unacceptable situation.
“The Promoter stated, in mitigation, that they would conduct a thorough investigation and take steps to remediate in time for the next event in Canada.
“They also expressed their disappointment as they had already invested significant resources in improving the safety measures, but apparently this did not have the desired effect.”
Octane Racing Group has until September 30, 2024, to “present a formal remediation plan” to the world motorsport governing body to ensure it has appropriately responded to the safety issue.
The Canadian GP Stewards also called the FIA to review any measures taken by the race promoter and take action if they aren’t up to standard.
Montreal’s track invasion is reminiscent of the incident at the 2023 Australian GP at Albert Park in Melbourne.
In that instance, the FIA acted and in 2024 the traditional post-race organised track invasion was banned.
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