FIA Summons F1 US Grand Prix Organizers After Shock Track Invasion

The safety measures for Formula 1 races are under scrutiny following a track invasion at the United States Grand Prix. Held at the legendary Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, the Grand Prix saw an intense battle between championship contenders Lando Norris and Max Verstappen with the Ferrari drivers taking a 1-2 finish. But this track invasion has added to the controversy following the race.

The FIA has summoned representatives from US Race Management and Circuit of The Americas to address this alarming breach of security. The invasion took place before the race's conclusion, raising significant concerns over spectator safety and the protocols in place to handle such situations. With safety being a paramount concern at high-speed events such as this, this incident has prompted a serious review of security measures at the venue.

Circuit of the Americas, a 3.41-mile racing circuit, has served as the home of the United States Grand Prix since 2012. Known for its challenging layout and elevation changes, it attracts a large international audience.

However, this latest incident underscores the vital need for stringent security measures at sporting events of this magnitude.

Charles Leclerc of Monaco driving the (16) Ferrari SF-24 on track during the F1 Grand Prix of United States at Circuit of The Americas on October 20, 2024 in Austin, Texas. The FIA has summoned... Mark Sutton/Getty Images

An official document issued by the FIA following the race, outlines the FIA's decision to summon those responsible for managing the race.

The FIA document read:

Representatives from US Race Management and Circuit of The Americas are required to report to the Stewards at 18:15, in relation to the incident below:

Organiser: US Race Management
Promoter: Circuit of The Americas

Reason: Spectator track invasion prior to the conclusion of the 2024 United States Grand Prix.

Ahead of the Grand Prix, changes to the Circuit of the Americas were made to improve safety around the track. Sections of the track were resurfaced, and artificial gravel was added to a number of run-off areas to deter drivers from exceeding track limits. Of course, this wasn't entirely successful, with controversy now swirling around the penalty given to Lando Norris.

Toto Wolff, team principal of Mercedes, said the following, regarding what he saw as "biased" penalties issued by the FIA.

Talking with his driver George Russell on the in-car radio, he said the following:

"I guess it's a bit of a biased decision-making."

Continuing, in talks with Sky Sports F1, he detailed his thoughts:

"It's incoherent," he said. "With Valtteri, it wasn't even a battle. In the sprint race we saw some of those incidents that were exactly the same and they weren't penalised when it was real racing for positions. So to get that penalty is completely strange and bizarre." He even hinted at understanding an underlying reason for such disparities, cryptically saying:

"I think we know why, but I can't say it on television."