Spectator Safety Breach at United States Grand Prix: FIA Imposes €500,000 Fine on Promoter

After the finish of the United States Grand Prix, as the drivers made their way back to the pits, around 200 spectators in the grandstand on the pit lane climbed over the fence and found themselves in a two meter zone between the grandstand and the debris net. Then they entered the net, climbed over the one meter barrier on the side of the track, and found themselves on the main straight. All this happened while the participants’ cars were still on the road.

After receiving the report of the Race Director and the Safety Representative, and having called and heard representatives of the promoter, the sports organizer and the FIA ​​officials, the stewards made the following decision:

a) The promoter has contravened Article 12.2.1.h of the International Sports Code.

b) The Promoter must, by 31 December 2024, submit a formal remedial plan to the FIA ​​that adequately addresses this issue, as well as assessing other closure areas that ‘ could be close to the circuit.

c) There have been several incidents on the way recently. Public safety is extremely important to the sport.

d) Given the seriousness of the incident, a fine of 500,000 euros will be imposed on the promoter.

e) Since this is the first such case at this round, it is considered that 350,000 euros of the fine is suspended until December 31, 2026, if there are no other cases of violation of the rules at FIA championships .

f) The Stewards recommend that the FIA ​​use the money received from the unimproved portion of the fine to provide additional security through the FIA’s Security Department.

All parties are reminded that they have the right to appeal.