F1 News and Notes: Premature Invasion Gets Brazilian GP Organizers Slap on Wrist

São Paulo’s event is, how shall we say it politely, not the most organized or efficient stop on the Formula 1 schedule.

The circuit's age and location in the district of Interlagos means there are natural limitations, though at the end of Sunday’s race there was a serious lapse in organization. A large group of spectators was able to gain access early at Turn 1 ahead of the usual track invasion, when the lower half of the midfield group were still circulating after just taking the checkered flag.

There were insufficient security measures in place, and the FIA summoned the organizers, who “candidly admitted the failures” and “agreed with the FIA’s report that this was an unacceptable situation which could have had disastrous consequences.”

A thorough investigation is to take place while the FIA has mandated that a remedial plan be submitted by the end of January. The matter has also been referred to the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council—which meets next in early December—to determine if there is a requirement for further sanctions.

Haas Track Limits Hearing Set for Wednesday

The Haas F1 Team's right of review into the results of the U.S. Grand Prix will be held on Wednesday afternoon.

Haas lodged a protest amid its unhappiness that several rivals exceeded track limits at Turn 6 at Circuit of the Americas and were not sanctioned. It is understood that Sergio Perez, Lance Stroll, Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant are the drivers Haas has looked at, with the FIA summoning representatives from Red Bull, Aston Martin and Williams to the hearing, which will take place virtually.

The hearing will take place in two stages: the first is to determine whether evidence Haas has presented is new, significant, or was unavailable to the stewards at the time. If the criteria is met then a second part of the hearing will take place to discuss the matter at hand.

Haas Hopes to Keep Fittipaldi in the Fold

Haas is hoping to retain the services of Pietro Fittipaldi next year in spite of his full-time IndyCar commitments.