FIA investigation triggers Australian Grand Prix change

Organisers of the Australian Grand Prix have confirmed there will be no track access for fans attending this year's race following the chequered flag due to an ongoing FIA investigation.

Patrons at the Albert Park circuit, as well as numerous other venues on the F1 calendar, are permitted to enter the race track post-race once all cars have entered the pit-lane and come to a rest, with security staff around the circuit helping to dictate when the public is safe to join.

But the event organisers remain under investigation by the sport's governing body following an early breach of the track perimeter at the end of last year's event.

Following a fourth red flag of the race, which was won by Max Verstappen, fans were able to gain access to the race track before cars had returned to the pits.

Some were able to reach the stricken Haas of Nico Hulkenberg, which still had a red flashing light above the cockpit indicating the car's electrical systems remained in an unsafe condition.

The organisers were found to be in breach of Article 12.2.1.h of the FIA's International Sporting Code by the race stewards after being formally summoned, with the investigation ongoing after referral to the World Motor Sport Council.

Australian GP statement

With no remedy yet announced, a statement from the race organisers for the Melbourne event has confirmed changes for this year's event.

"The Australian Grand Prix Corporation advises that given the ongoing FIA investigation into the early track breach at the conclusion of the 2023 event, there will be no track access for patrons following the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2024," read the statement.

"Decisions regarding patron access to the track at the conclusion of future races will be made at a later date."

The race will take place at the Albert Park circuit over the weekend of March 22-24 and be the third round of a planned record-breaking 24 Grands Prix in the coming season.