The organisers of the Australian Grand Prix came under fire from Formula 1 officials after a track invasion occurred at the end of the event, risking lives as cars were still running around the circuit.
Footage circulating online showed fans jumping over a barrier near the pit lane exit, with other scaling the fence, as they ran towards the finish line to witness the post-race celebrations.
Six people are believed to have instigated the situation, with officials considering lifetime bans from the event for those behind the chaotic scenes.
“We’ll look at the powers we have and Victoria Police have under the major sporting events act that we operate under, as well as the Grand Prix act,” Tom Mottram, general manager of operations at the Australian Grand Prix, told regional publication The Age.
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“Once the floodgates opened, unfortunately you’ve got to kind of run with it and manage it accordingly.
“But we’ve identified five or six persons of interest who breached the track early, and we want to be talking to them.
“It’s not something we will ever tolerate or accept and people need to realise this was a very dangerous undertaking that occurred.
“We’ll find out what was the understanding or motive, and whether it’s something they did with malicious intent or they subconsciously found themselves in that position.
“I wouldn’t want to jump to any conclusions until we’ve had an opportunity to chat to them,” he concluded.
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The Australian Grand Prix had proved to be an entertaining event for fans at the circuit and around the world, with three red flags and multiple safety car incidents bringing the field together.
Max Verstappen claimed his second win of the season, while Lewis Hamilton secured a first podium of the year for Mercedes.
Finishing in P3, Fernando Alonso took a third consecutive podium place.