Australian GP organisers admit “unacceptable” multiple security failures

The FIA stewards have referred the Australian Grand Prix organisers to the World Motor Sport Council after they admitted to multiple “serious” security failures at the end of today’s race.

On the final lap of the race under Safety Car, a small number of fans breached the live track on the approach to turn one with the field passing by at least one spectator stood on the grass and others appearing to climb a debris fence.

Second-placed finisher Lewis Hamilton reported the fans breaching the track on his radio. The session was red-flagged after the chequered flag to slow drivers down and forbid overtaking on their return to the pits due to safety concerns.

Soon afterwards, Nico Hulkenberg was required to pull off the track at turn two due to an electrical fault on his Haas. Hulkenberg was required to jump from the car as the red ERS safety light indicated his car was ‘live’ and unsafe to be touched by anyone without using electrical safety equipment. It was reported that spectators who took to the track were able to reach Hulkenberg’s car parked on the grass while still in an electrically unsafe condition.

The stewards summoned a representative of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation – the event’s promotors – to discuss the incidents. The AGPC admitted to failures in its security measures and protocols and agreed with the stewards that both had been “unacceptable situations that could have had disastrous consequences”.

The stewards found the AGPC in breach of Article 12.2.1.h of the FIA’s International Sporting Code, which covers “any unsafe act or failure to take reasonable measures, thus resulting in an unsafe situation”. While not imposing any direct penalty on the race promotors, the stewards compelled the AGPC to “urgently present a formal remediation plan to the FIA that adequately addresses the serious concerns”.

The race stewards also passed their concerns onto the FIA for review and formally referred the incident to its World Motor Sport Council to determine if any additional action should be taken.

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After admitting the security failures, the AGPC informed the stewards they would conduct a “comprehensive review” of the spectator breach and the Hulkenberg incident through consultation with Victorian state police, Formula 1 and the FIA in response. The AGPC requested they the FIA allow them until the end of June to conduct their investigation and produce its review.

Spectators at the Australian Grand Prix have historically been allowed onto the track at the conclusion of the race to congregate on the grid and view the podium ceremony – only after the final car has driven past spectator access points followed by a circuit course car with green flashing lights.

It is the second time in the last decade that spectators have entered the track earlier than the end race protocol permits at the Albert Park circuit. Spectators joined the track in the final sector at the end of the 2017 Australian Grand Prix as cars returned to the pit lane at the end of the race. The Australian Grand Prix claimed record attendances for the 2023 event, with 131,124 race day spectators for a four-day total of 444,631 fans.

Stewards’ verdict on the Australian GP track invasion

Fact

A large group of spectators managed to break the security lines and accessed the track while the race was still ongoing. The security measures and the protocols which were expected to be in place for the Event were not enforced resulting in an unsafe environment for the spectators, drivers and race officials. Furthermore, spectators were also able to reach Car number 27, which was parked at exit of turn two and which still had its light flashing red (i.e. the car was in an unsafe condition with possible electrical discharge). All of this presented significant danger to the spectators; race officials and the drivers.

Offence

Breach of Article 12.2.1.h of the 2023 FIA International Sporting Code (i.e. failure to take reasonable measures, thus resulting in an unsafe situation).

Reasoned Decision

1. The stewards heard from representatives from the promoter and from the FIA and considered the video evidence available on the above facts.

2. The promoter candidly admitted the failures in terms of the security protocols and safety measures. The promoter concurred with the FIA Sporting Delegate and the situation that could have had disastrous consequences.

3. The promoter stated, in mitigation, that they would conduct a thorough investigation and take steps to remediate in time for the next event in Australia.

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4. In the circumstances, the stewards hereby determine that:

(a). The promoter breached Article 12.2.1.h of the 2023 FIA International Sporting Code.

(b). the promoter urgently present a formal remediation plan to the FIA that adequately addresses the serious concerns above.

(c). In this regard, the promoter, in an email to the stewards, has proposed that they take the following steps to do so:

“We therefore propose the following draft remedies to actively take steps to ensure there will be no further transgressions:

[a]. A comprehensive review of the early track breach and the marshals protecting the Hulkenberg car will be conducted.

[b]. A comprehensive review of the plan will be conducted.

[c]. Results and findings of these reviews and detailed recommendations will be documented and provided to the FIA via the ASN for comment and endorsement, as appropriate.

[d]. The above reviews will include consulting with Victoria Police, Formula 1, the FIA and other aforementioned stakeholders”

(d). The promoter has asked that they be given until 30th June 2023 to carry out the above.

5. As this relates to serious issues around safety and security, the stewards hereby request the FIA to review and comment on whether the abovementioned steps are adequate to address the concerns raised and to state if any further measure(s) need to be taken, as soon as possible. This should be done directly with the promoter. The FIA should state a deadline for the same and comment on whether the promoter’s requested deadline is acceptable.

6. In addition, the stewards hereby formally refer this incident to the FIA World Motor Sports Council for a further investigation to determine whether any additional steps need to be taken or penalties applied beyond the remediation plan presented by the promoter (and reviewed by the FIA) to ensure the safe and orderly conduct of future events in Australia.

Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the stewards, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 4 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits.

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