FIA and F1 chiefs to review security measures following repeated incidents at Brazilian GP
Monday 27 November 2017 13:47, UK
Formula 1 and the FIA are to discuss ways of improving security at grands prix following a number of incidents at the Brazilian GP.
Mercedes team personnel were robbed at gunpoint on Friday evening as they left the Interlagos circuit, while another four attempted robberies took place over the weekend.
The FIA, the sport's governing body, has requested reports from Formula 1 over the incidents with the findings to be presented at the next meeting of the World Motorsport Council on December 6.
What happened over the Brazilian GP weekend?
Security incidents have been a problem at the Brazilian GP for many years, with Interlagos situated in a poor district of Sao Paulo and surrounded by favela communities.
Mercedes team bus robbed at gunpoint
McLaren's Brazil tyre test cancelled after robbery attempt
As a Mercedes van left the track following Friday practice, it was targeted by gunmen. Although nobody was harmed during the attack, a gun was pressed to the head of one team member as valuables were stolen.
Vehicles carrying personnel from Williams and FIA were also targeted on the same night, while Sauber officials narrowly avoided an attempted robbery on Saturday evening.
Security was tightened for Sunday's grand prix but there was another attempted robbery of a Pirelli van after the race.
The latest incident prompted Pirelli and McLaren to cancel their planned two-day tyre test for the Tuesday and Wednesday following the grand prix.
The FIA and Formula 1's statement in full
"Following a number of security incidents during last weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix (10-12 November), the FIA and Formula 1 will discuss event security at next World Motor Sport Council.
"The FIA has requested that reports be collated by the Commercial Rights Holder (Formula 1) concerning the incidents and presented to the members of the World Motor Sport Council at its next meeting on 6 December.
"In the continued spirit of positive collaboration with Formula 1, the Council will then discuss the ways in which a more consistent and effective security procedure can be applied at all events of the FIA Formula One World Championship.
"The findings will also be shared with other FIA championship organisers to maximise the positive impact this can have across all motor sport.
"Security is a cooperative effort, and the FIA will seek to work closely with Formula 1 and all its stakeholders to maintain a safe environment for everyone working at or visiting Formula 1 events."
Hamilton demands extra security for teams
Following the attack on the Mercedes bus, world champion Lewis Hamilton called for more security measures to be taken to protect F1 staff.
"I was horrified to hear what had happened," Hamilton said.
"I'm very close with all the guys that got pulled aside and you can't imagine what they were feeling or going through at the time.
"After that, the most frustrating thing is I've been in Formula 1 for 10 years and every single year that has happened to somebody in the paddock. And it continues to happen.
"I'm sure that's an issue that the government here are fighting, but maybe on this weekend there are protocols that are put in place that help.
"It should be for the whole paddock. That's partly Formula 1's responsibility but generally people at the top need to take action to keep everyone safe. It's not good just the bosses having security and myself having security, everyone needs to be looked after."
