US Grand Prix summoned by FIA for spectators’ track invasion

Organisers of the Circuit of the Americas have been summoned by the FIA for an early track invasion by spectators.

At the end of the race at the Circuit of the Americas, several spectators entered the track on the start-finish straight while cars were still coming past on their in laps after the end of the race.

Representatives from US Race Management and COTA were required to report to the FIA’s race stewards at 18:15 local Austin time to provide an explanation.

Premature track invasions are considered a serious incident and and breach of the FIA’s safety protocols, and it has previously pulled up other grands prix for a similar offence.

In 2023, track invasion issues marred the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, with the organisers asked to present a detailed report on what happened and any steps they would take to prevent a repeat incident.

The Melbourne organisers ended up deciding to ban their traditional track invasion for this year’s race at Albert Park.

The problems in Australia last year were not unique, with a similar situation happening at the Brazilian Grand Prix when fans spilled out onto the Interlagos circuit at Turn 1 as the cars took the chequered flag. Race organisers in Brazil have also been asked to come up with an action plan that satisfies the FIA before this year’s race.