The United States Grand Prix promoters have been fined €500,000 by the FIA following COTA track invasion by fans after the F1 race concluded.
The breach involved approximately 200 spectators who managed to bypass security measures and enter the active track while cars were still completing their cooldown laps.
The incident unfolded at the end of the 2024 United States Grand Prix when fans from the grandstands adjacent to the pit lane climbed over a small fence and dropped down about two meters to access the track.
They then proceeded to navigate under a debris fencing barrier and over a one-meter-high trackside wall, ultimately merging onto the main straight while cars were still completing their cooldown laps.
Such actions are viewed as serious violations of FIA safety regulations, which are designed to protect both spectators and drivers during events.
In response to this alarming breach, representatives from US Race Management and COTA were summoned by FIA stewards for an explanation. The stewards concluded that while the overall safety plan for managing public access to the track was generally well-executed, there were specific weaknesses that allowed for this unauthorized incursion.
The investigation determined that the promoters had violated Article 12.2.1.h of the FIA’s International Sporting Code, which pertains to a failure to implement reasonable measures that ensure safety.
The investigation highlighted that this was the first such breach in COTA’s 12-year history of hosting Formula 1 events, which may have contributed to a perception of complacency regarding crowd control measures.
The financial penalty imposed for COTA track invasion consists of an immediate fine of €500,000; however, €350,000 of this amount is suspended until December 31, 2026, contingent upon no further incidents occurring during FIA-sanctioned events at the venue during this period.
This suspension reflects a degree of leniency from the FIA, acknowledging that this was an unprecedented occurrence for the Austin race venue while simultaneously emphasizing that future lapses will not be tolerated.
In addition to the financial penalty, COTA is required to submit a comprehensive remediation plan by the end of 2024. This plan must outline measures to prevent future track invasions and identify any other potential security vulnerabilities around the circuit.
The COTA track invasion incident is not isolated; it reflects a broader trend of crowd control challenges faced by Formula 1 events in recent years. Earlier in 2024, similar issues arose during the Canadian Grand Prix when fans breached security protocols while cars were still on track.
In response to these incidents, several venues have taken drastic measures, including banning post-race track access altogether. For example, following problems at the Australian Grand Prix in 2023, organizers decided to prohibit fans from entering the track after races for future events.
The FIA’s decision to impose such a hefty fine on COTA may be seen as an attempt to set a precedent for accountability among race promoters.
By taking a firm stance against lapses in safety protocols, the governing body aims to reinforce its commitment to ensuring that all stakeholders—drivers, teams, and spectators—can participate in events without undue risk.
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