The FIA’s decision on the US Grand Prix track invasion incident which happened during race day on October 21 has finally arrived. After receiving an initial report from the Stewards, F1’s governing body heard the promoter and the US Race Management’s (USRM’s) appeal before arriving on a verdict. The USGP was found guilty of the breach and slapped with a hefty fine of €500,000 ($521,000).
However, the FIA has instructed them to just pay €150,000 ($156,300). The remaining amount was suspended on the condition that no such breach happens at the circuit during an FIA-sanctioned event until December 31, 2026. F1 will race on the circuit twice in this time period.
What did the FIA find USGP guilty of?
As per the FIA’s sporting regulations, spectators, under no circumstances, must have access to the track until all the cars are in parc ferme after the conclusion of a race. However, hordes of spectators invaded the circuit before the cars were safely in parc ferme.
This not just posed a serious threat of injury to the spectators but also to the drivers. Luckily, no untoward incident took place.
Over the course of the hearing, the FIA found ample evidence to support the claim of the promoter and USRM that they took ample measures to ensure security and prevent track invasions. This led to the FIA’s decision to suspend the €350,000 fine.
However, a part of the monetary reprimand was imposed since the breach did happen, and the appellants admitted to the fault.
