Following an incident involving Brazilian Footballer Neymar at the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix, the pre-race grid access protocols for major series, including Formula 1, is currently under the scanner of the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile). The incident has raised safety concerns, prompting the governing body to consider stricter regulations for invited guests, celebrities, and media personnel who are granted access to the starting grid alongside officials and team personnel. The FIA World Motor Sport Council met for the second time in Spain to address several safety issues concerning the unsafe situation at the start of this year's Spanish Grand Prix, which saw Neymar Junior and other guests positioned at the edge of the grass on the main straight during the formation lap.
F1 Track Invasion at Australian Grand Prix in April 2023
Since such pre-race grid walks are quite common, this is not the first time that FIA security protocols and safety measures have been breached. A series of similar incidents also include a post-track invasion at the 2023 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
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Fans in large numbers invaded the circuit when the race cars were still on track, causing an unsafe situation for fans, drivers, and race officials. The incident prompted a thorough investigation by the FIA, a report of which is due by the end of June. A formal remediation plan addressing the safety and security concerns will be included in the report.
Neymar Jr's Spanish GP Incident: What FIA President Said?
Coming back to the 2023 Spanish GP, placing restrictions on grid access could be just one part of the safety measures. As emphasised by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, ‘protecting the health and well-being of everyone on the grid – guests, officials, and teams was the FIA’s priority.’
FIA President stated, ‘We must take learnings from the incident at the Spanish Grand Prix. The FIA has been assured by Stefano Domenicali (CEO of Formula 1) that measures are being taken to ensure that there is no repeat of the incident.
‘It is an issue not just in Formula 1 but also in Formula E and World Endurance Championship and other categories from my recent experiences with too many people on the grid at some events. I have no doubt that in all cases, the promoter will adhere to the FIA requirements on safety and security. It is the duty of the FIA to ensure a safe environment for all. Safety in motorsport is the Federation’s main priority.’
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Top motorsport races like Formula 1 have on several occasions permitted grid access to celebrities. For instance, Usain Bolt's photoshoot at the 2017 United States GP before the start of the formation lap. Such incidents, however, do pose safety risks for those who are on the grid.
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