FIA breaks silence on ‘unacceptable’ track invasion by fans at the Brazilian GP

The 2023 Brazilian GP is going to be remembered for several reasons.

FIA breaks silence on ‘unacceptable’ track invasion by fans at the Brazilian GP

Mohammed Ben Sulayem(uae), President of the FIA, DOMENICALI Stefano (ita), Chairman and CEO Formula One Group (Credits: Imago)

The 2023 Brazilian GP was one hell of a racing event. It was highly entertaining as it had everything, from crashes to last-lap podium tussle, the event a grand success. But despite this, much of its sheen was taken off because of the carelessness of the event organizers.

As Max Verstappen crossed the chequered flag eight seconds ahead of Lando Norris, a group of fans made their way onto the track at Turn 1 when the cars were still on it. While nothing bad happened, the FIA has acted and bashed the organizers for the poor management.

YouTube video

Moreover, after having a look at the CCTV footage and hearing from the organizers, the FIA noted:

FS Video
[Organisers] candidly admitted the failures in terms of the security protocols and safety measures. [They] concurred with the FIA Sporting Delegate and the Race Director report and agreed that comparable circumstances already occurred in Brazil.

The governing body of the pinnacle of motor racing has made it clear that what happened at the end of the Brazilian GP is hghly unacceptable and could have led to worrisome circumstances.

And that this was an unacceptable situation which could have had disastrous consequences.

The 2023 Brazilian GP lived up to expectations

While the FIA was not pleased with the fan infringement at the Brazilian GP, overall, the event was a huge success. Considering last year’s brilliant race, the expectations for this year were high as well, and surprisingly, from the get-go, the fans were served what they came in to see.

2023 Brazilian GP (Credits: racingnews365)
2023 Brazilian GP (Credits: racingnews365)

As the lights went out, the fans got to see the first crash of the race going into Turn 1 between Kevin Magnussen and Alex Albon; moments after, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc also found himself into the barriers. As the race restarted, several entertaining tussles occurred between the remaining drivers.

Moreover, by the end of the 71-lap event, it was the veterans, Fernando Alonso and Sergio Perez, who stole the show with their close-quarters racing skills. On the last lap, they were side by side, heading to the finish line, with Alonso clinching third place with the bearest of margins.

In case you missed it: