Australian Grand Prix spectators invade track as Formula One cars speed along

Australian Grand Prix fans have been rebuked for risking their lives and racing onto the circuit while Formula 1 cars were still cruising it.

Spectators managed to break through safety lines and run onto the track before the end of the race at Melbourne’s Albert Park on Sunday.

Terrifying footage showed several fans leaping over the barrier at the exit of the pit lane, while others climbed the fence to watch the race from a perilous height.

Terrifying footage showed several fans jumping the barrier at the exit of the pit lane, while others climbed the fence to watch the race from a dangerous height

A man dressed in a blue shirt was seen running down the track before being recalled.

Some even managed to reach the car driven by Haas’s Nico Hulkenberg when the vehicle was parked at the exit of turn two.

The car’s red flashing light was still on, indicating it was not safe to approach and could have caused an electrical discharge that potentially injured someone.

Stewards have instructed Australian Grand Prix organizers to urgently prepare a ‘recovery plan’ following the disastrous invasion at the track.

Their report found that the organizers of the race were in breach of the FIA ​​International Sporting Code.

“A large group of spectators managed to break through the safety lines and gain access to the track while the race was still underway,” the report said.

The safety measures and protocols expected for the event were not enforced, resulting in an unsafe environment for spectators, drivers and race officials.

In addition, spectators were also able to reach the No. 27 car (Nico Hulkenberg), which was parked at the exit of Turn 2 and its light was still flashing red (i.e. the car was in an unsafe condition with possible electrical discharge).

‘All this posed a considerable danger to the spectators; competition management and the drivers.’

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation confronted the stewards and admitted the safety and security flaws.

They agreed it was an “unacceptable situation that could have had disastrous consequences.”

Organizers were also instructed to include an assessment of the marshals protecting Hulkenberg’s car on top of the recovery plan.

Stewards also requested that the FIA ​​refer the incident to the governing body’s World Motor Sports Council to determine whether sanctions should be imposed.

The AGPC asked to be given until June 30 to submit its review.

There were 131,124 in attendance at Albert Park for Sunday’s race, and a record 444,631 spectators during race week, according to organizers.

Red Bull’s reigning world champion Max Verstappen won the race, which was thrown into late chaos by a slew of crashes and red flags.

Spectators managed to break through safety lines and run onto the track before the end of the race at Albert Park, in Melbourne, on Sunday