Canadian GP promoter to conduct inquiry after 'security breach'

The promoter of the Canadian Grand Prix, Octane Racing Group, has promised to conduct an investigation after a security breach at the 2024 event.

After the chequered flag, the promoter was called to see the stewards after it emerged that fans gained access to the track while the cars were still making their way back to the pit lane.

The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve has been the traditional host of the Canadian event for many years, and sits as a favourite for fans and drivers alike.

However, the stewards found that the “security measures and/or security officers and/or equipment which were expected to be in place for the event were not either enforced or were not sufficient resulting in an unsafe environment for the spectators and drivers.”

As a result, it deemed the promoter guilty of breaching Article 12.2.1.h of the 2024 FIA International Sporting Code, which relates to failure to take reasonable measures, thus resulting in an unsafe situation.

The promoter will now conduct its own review of the situation to avoid a repeat, or phase the potential consequence of a major financial penalty. 

Stewards' verdict in full

The stewards detailed its verdict in six parts, explaining;

1. The Stewards heard from representatives from the Promoter and from the FIA and considered the video evidence available on the above facts. 

2. The Promoter candidly admitted that the safety measures in place did not achieve the goal to prevent spectators from entering the track. They concurred with the FIA Sporting Delegate and the Race Director report and agreed that this was an unacceptable situation. 

3. The Promoter stated, in mitigation, that they would conduct a thorough investigation and take steps to remediate in time for the next event in Canada. They also expressed their disappointment as they had already invested significant resources in improving the safety measures, but apparently this did not have the desired effect. 4

4. In the circumstances, the Stewards hereby determine that: a) The Promoter breached Article 12.2.1.h of the 2024 FIA International Sporting Code [and] b) The Promoter urgently (i.e. at the latest by 30th September 2024) present a formal remediation plan to the FIA that adequately addresses the serious concerns above.

5. As this relates to serious issues around safety and security, the Stewards hereby request the FIA to review and comment on whether the abovementioned steps are adequate to address the concerns raised and to state if any further measure(s) need to be taken, as soon as possible. This should be done directly with the Promoter. 

6. The Stewards reinforce the fact that the paramount goal needs to be to prevent the reoccurrence of such an incident and make it clear that a significant financial penalty will be imposed in case of any reoccurrence.