Circuit of the Americas is fined nearly $550K after fans invade the track at the US Grand Prix
Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz, of Spain, left, and Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, right, of the Netherlands, celebrate after they finished second and third respectively behind winner Charles Leclerc in the Formula One U.S. Grand Prix auto race at Circuit of the Americas, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Nick Didlick)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Nick Didlick]
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The governing body for Formula 1 has fined the organizers of the United States Grand Prix nearly $550,000 after a group spectators invaded the track at the Circuit of the Americas while cars were still finishing their cooldown lap following Sunday’s race. The FIA said about 200 fans in the grandstand opposite pit lane cleared two fences and another barrier to get to the track itself. Premature track invasions are considered a serious safety problem. Track president Bobby Epstein said his staff “will review the video” but declined further comment.
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Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, of Monaco, wins the F1 U.S. Grand Prix auto race at the Circuit of the Americas, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Austin, Texas. (Patrick Fallon/Pool Photo via AP)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Patrick Falllon