Ban on fans descending on Albert Park circuit after Melbourne Grand Prix to be overturned

In a turnaround that will set Formula 1 fans’ hearts racing, the public will next month be allowed near their heroes on the Albert Park circuit post competition, after the practice was banned.

A ban on fans being allowed to step on to the Albert Park circuit after the Melbourne Grand Prix will be overturned for next month’s major event.

In a win for spectators hoping to get close to Formula 1 stars on the winner’s podium, the popular practice of fans being allowed on the track post race will return, after being outlawed last year.

The Herald Sun can reveal the Australian Grand Prix Corporation has won approval from the FIA, F1’s governing body to bring back the tradition banned after a dangerous spectator track invasion during the 2023 event.

Fans crowd the Albert Park circuit in 2017. Picture: Ian Currie

Fans will be allowed back on the track after a ban was overturned. Picture: Ian Currie

But it has copped a fine of more than $206,000 for the security breach two-years-ago and been instructed to beef-up safety protocols, with the FIA signing off on an extensive probe into the 23 track breach.

Fans will be allowed to enter the track after the race through 10 gates built around the track, the majority of which will open on to pit lane, as stars including Aussie Oscar Piastri race for glory.

Australian Grand Prix Corporation chief executive Travis Auld said: “For those attending the race, it’s a highly valued part of the event and thousands of people take advantage of the post race walk.

“They love to watch the podium post race and I think it will be even more so in 2025 with the potential of having an Australian on the podium.’’

Fans were last year prohibited from entering the track after Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was first past the chequered flag, with marshalls, police and security guards patrolling the perimeter.

Fans were sent text messages ordering them not to enter the track and threatened with fines of more than $17,000 for breaching the rules.

Grand Prix fans walk through pit lane in 2013.

Tight restrictions will apply this year too but a new entry process to the track will apply.

It will see the bigger, purpose built gates installed to grant fans access to the track when the race is over and messaging flashed on big screens to say when it is safe to do so.

“That will make it a lot easier operationally but also from a fan perspective, to know where and when to enter the track,’’ Mr Auld said.

“And that is on top of everything we’ve done in 2024 in terms of comms and additional resources.’’

There are 15 F1 races globally including Melbourne which stage a post race walk, including Miami, Spain, Silverstone, Singapore, Monza, Mexico and Brazil.

“It sends these incredible images out around the world of the race and the even that it is but also the doorstep of the city, so I think it’s a great promotion for Melbourne and Victoria,’’ Mr Auld said.

The Grand Prix will be staged from March 13-16.