Australian Grand Prix Fans Receive Podium Celebration Black Flag

Fans attending the 2024 Australian Grand Prix will not be permitted onto Melbourne’s Formula 1 track following the conclusion of the race.

This decision comes after an incident in 2023 where an alarming number of spectators entered the Albert Park circuit before the race had officially ended, prompting an investigation by the FIA.

The sport’s governing body criticized the event organizers and has called for a comprehensive report to evaluate whether the security protocols in place were adequate.

The event’s operations manager Tom Mattram commented: “We’re certainly finding in the post-covid environment, we’ve got new and young fans that have come to the event and they’re not quite understanding the unsafe nature and dangers they put themselves in when they undertake these types of things.”

Therefore, at least while the FIA investigation is still underway, Melbourne has reacted by banning spectators from breaching the barriers even long after the chequered flag this year.

“Decisions regarding patron access to the track at the conclusion of future races will be made at a later date,” organisers confirmed in a statement.