The chaotic race of the 2023 Australian Grand Prix wasn’t just entertaining; it was more of a DANGEROUS show. Fans venturing onto the circuit even before the race ended, debris everywhere, cranes on the track, crashes, crashes, and mess! This is something that no one demands from Formula One because no matter how entertaining it is, it is not worth risking the lives of people.
Given this, a threat to the Australian F1 organizers is coming that the Australian Grand Prix may get BANNED! The security breach that occurred in Melbourne last Sunday was a violation of the International Sporting Code that suggests no audience should be allowed to invade the fields at any cost. Otherwise, the Corporation will confront a drastic banning imposed by FIA. And, after Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion who finished the race second on Sunday, showed concerns over the spectator’s breaking through the fences, the banning word for the Australian Grand Prix got slightly bolder.
The investigation has already been launched, and it will last until June 30. However, on one condition only, one can save itself from facing the prohibition. And this is to gain the faith of FIA that things will never get repeated again. Therefore, if the Australian Grand Prix Corporation succeeds in developing the belief. Then hopefully, no drastic actions will be taken against them by FIA.
The CEO of the Australian Grand Prix, Andrew Westacott, believes that despite the messed up race, they are still on the edge of gaining that belief of FIA. That might not allow a drastic ban on the Melbourne race. And he doesn’t think that it is even necessary. Speaking with Speedcafe, the CEO explained what exactly happened last Sunday and how this will never get repeated.
The Australian Grand Prix CEO Still Has Hopes That They Will Not Face Ban
Andrew has assured that in Australia, they got the primary, secondary, and tertiary lines of protection. Things are bordered by physical infrastructure barriers. And there are people taking care of these areas. It is not like Australia lacks a single man in security guards. The CEO explains very confidently that they have the security specifically assisted for the GP command, which is staffed by 50-60 experts. Moreover, in Melbourne, the organizers have a well-equipped ECC [Emergency Coordination Centre] too.
Perhaps, being fulfilled in terms of having the required security stuff is why Andrew Westacott hopes to listen to a piece of good news after the investigation. Next year it can happen, but it can happen appropriately, at least. According to the manager of the Australian Grand Prix, they have the combination of infrastructure and modified and reviewed plans which will ensure no rule breaks from next year.
What happened this year remained confusing for everyone, including the CEO itself. “Clearly, it was not a good situation. It was confusing for everyone at the end of the race. However, if I say confusion, it certainly doesn’t mean that it’s an excuse whatsoever.” he said. The level of excitement fans holds for the drivers is something unimaginable. And thus, oftentimes, we get to see such breaking fences. But sometimes, they risk their safety, which is unbearable. So every action will be taken in order to prevent it from happening next year. Now, still, if FIA chooses to ban the Australian Grand Prix, no one will stop it because SAFETY should always be the FIRST PRIORITY!