The FIA has threatened "significant" consequences for the Canadian Grand Prix promoter if it fails to prevent repeats of the track invasion which followed Sunday's Montreal race in the future.
It is common for spectators to make their way onto a circuit after the end of a race to watch the podium ceremony. But the rules dictate they should only be allowed on after all cars have returned to parc ferme for obvious safety reasons.
And that did not happen at the end of the the Canada race this time. A security breach saw a number of fans make their way onto the track while there were still cars on their cool down laps, which left the FIA very unimpressed.
Octane Racing Group, the race's promoter, was summoned to see the stewards to explain the security breach. And it was concluded that they had breached the FIA's International Sporting Code by their failure to prevent an "unsafe situation".
In an official document, the stewards said the promoter had "candidly admitted that the safety measures in place did not achieve the goal to prevent spectators from entering the track", and "concurred with the FIA Sporting Delegate and the race director report and agreed that this was an unacceptable situation".
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It continued: "The promoter stated, in mitigation, that they would conduct a thorough investigation and take steps to remediate in time for the next event in Canada. They also expressed their disappointment as they had already invested significant resources in improving the safety measures, but apparently this did not have the desired effect."
Octane Racing Group is required to present "a formal remediation plan to the FIA that adequately addresses the serious concerns above", and must do so by September 30 at the latest. The stewards also asked the FIA to review the matter and decide whether additional steps need to be taken.
The document also made it clear that "a significant financial penalty will be imposed in case of any reoccurrence". The promoter was also criticised over the course of the race weekend for other problems with the organisation of the event, which drew a new record attendance for a Canadian GP.
Heavy rain in Montreal saw some hospitality units flood and roofs on many buildings in the paddock leak water. Parking was also a problem for team personnel and media and, in a statement sent to Motorsport.com, Octane Racing Group promised to holds talks with contractors over the failures.
It read: "Regarding [car parks] and egress, we sincerely apologised and understand the frustration that this has caused, we acknowledge that what transpired is unacceptable and put in mitigation measures for the Sunday including an alternative route. We are well aware that leaky tents and media booths are not up to the standard we wish to uphold and will be having serious follow-ups with the third parties involved."
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