US GP promoter summoned to FIA after track invasion

Lydia Mee

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US GP promoter summoned to FIA after track invasion image

The promoter of the United States Grand Prix is facing scrutiny following a track invasion incident at the Circuit of the Americas during the 2024 race. The FIA has summoned the promoter to discuss the breach of safety protocols after spectators entered the track before the Grand Prix concluded.

The Circuit of the Americas (COTA), located in Austin, Texas, has been the home of the United States Grand Prix since 2012. Known for its challenging 5.513-kilometer layout and passionate fan base, COTA faced a significant challenge when spectators invaded the start/finish straight area. Although the FIA has not disclosed full details of the incident, it is clear that this breach posed risks to the safety of both spectators and drivers.

The FIA's response was prompt, summoning representatives from the US Grand Prix and Circuit of the Americas to meet with the stewards. A formal notice stated, as quoted by Planet F1:

“Representatives from US Race Management and Circuit of The Americas are required to report to the Stewards at 18:15.”

The reason was listed as the, “spectator track invasion prior to the conclusion of the 2024 United States Grand Prix.”

The problem of track invasions is not new, with another incident earlier this year at the Canadian Grand Prix during the cooldown lap. In that case, the promoter, Octane Racing Group, “candidly admitted that the safety measures in place did not achieve the goal to prevent spectators from entering the track,” leading to a required remediation plan.

The Australian Grand Prix serves as another example of recent complications with track invasions. During the 2023 event, fans trespassed onto the track, even approaching a car. Consequently, the Australian Grand Prix Corporation announced:

“The Australian Grand Prix Corporation advises that given the ongoing FIA investigation into the early track breach at the conclusion of the 2023 event, there will be no track access for patrons following the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2024.

“Decisions regarding patron access to the track at the conclusion of future races will be made at a later date.”

2024 United States Grand Prix Results

1. Charles Leclerc

2. Carlos Sainz

3. Max Verstappen

4. Lando Norris (after penalty applied)

5. Oscar Piastri

6. George Russell

7. Sergio Perez

8. Nico Hulkenberg

9. Liam Lawson

10. Franco Colapinto

11. Kevin Magnussen

12. Pierre Gasly

13. Fernando Alonso

14. Yuki Tsunoda

15. Lance Stroll

16. Alex Albon

17. Valtteri Bottas

18. Esteban Ocon

19. Zhou Guanyu

20. Lewis Hamilton - DNF

 

Lydia Mee

Lydia Mee Photo

Lydia Mee is a passionate motorsport journalist based in the UK. She has a background in covering Formula 1, NASCAR, electric vehicles, and other various motorsports and has interviewed current and former drivers such as Mario Andretti, Alain Prost, and Johnny Herbert amongst others. She's a strong advocate for women in motorsport and a more diverse industry. Her work has been seen on Sports Illustrated, On SI and Newsweek. She can be followed at @lydiameemotorsport on Instagram and @LMeeMotorsport on X.