The Canadian GP organisers are under investigation after track invasion

In a race already marked by unpredictable weather and strategic duels, the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix faced an alarming safety breach when an unauthorized spectator invasion occurred on the circuit, leading to an emergency response by Formula 1’s governing body. The FIA stewards swiftly issued Document 55, calling upon the event’s promoters from Octane Racing Group to discuss the significant safety breach in a meeting set for 17:40 local time on race day.

The race, which ultimately saw Max Verstappen clinch victory ahead of Lando Norris and George Russell, was fraught with challenges from the outset. Commencing under the looming threat of rain, initial laps were led by Russell, with drivers and their teams meticulously plotting their moves, balancing between dry and wet tires as conditions shifted. This strategic ballet, however, was overshadowed by the later drama off the track.

The intrusion, occurring just before the race concluded, not only posed a direct threat to the safety of drivers, team members, and spectators but also breached the highly stringent security protocols fundamental to Formula 1 racing.

At the heart of this intense grand prix were the dynamic shifts in leadership and strategy provoked by changing weather conditions. George Russell’s initial dominance slowly gave way under the pressure from Verstappen and Norris, with multiple lead changes ensuing from strategic tire swaps and adjustments, compounded by several crash-induced safety car deployments.

The track invasion at the Canadian Grand Prix not only brought immediate concerns regarding race security but also represented a broader challenge for Formula 1. The swift action by the FIA post-intrusion — summoning the event’s stewards for a critical discussion — signifies the seriousness with which such breaches are regarded and the prompt efforts to rectify and reinforce security protocols.

As the motorsport community awaits the outcomes of the steward’s meeting with Octane Racing Group, the incident unquestionably casts a long shadow over the event’s proceedings.

Red Bull driver Sergio Perez has also been summoned to the Stewards for potentially driving in an unsafe condition, and Mercedes’ George Russell and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri are also seeing the Stewards after they had contact during an overtake towards the end of the race.

Canadian GP Results

1. Max Verstappen
2. Lando Norris
3. George Russell
4. Lewis Hamilton – Fastest Lap
5. Oscar Piastri
6. Fernando Alonso
7. Lance Stroll
8. Daniel Ricciardo
9. Pierre Gasly
10. Esteban Ocon
11. Nico Hulkenberg
12. Kevin Magnussen
13. Valtteri Bottas
14. Yuki Tsunoda
15. Zhou Guanyu
16. Carlos Sainz – DNF
17. Alex Albon – DNF
18. Sergio Perez – DNF
19. Charles Leclerc – DNF
20. Logan Sargeant – DNF