Post-Race Tradition Returns to Melbourne F1 Grand Prix

After unruly behaviour from the Australian crowd, the ritual is set to return

Published by
Millie Lembke

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) has confirmed it will lift the one-year ban on the post-race track invasion, bringing the tradition back for this year's event.

The 2023 race at Melbourne's Albert Park saw spectators rush onto the circuit before the race had finished, leading to the imposition of the ban due to unruly behaviour.

Spectators were able to get within reaching distance of Nico Hulkenberg's electrically unsafe car, which had been forced to park.

This prompted the Australian Grand Prix Corporation to admit security protocol failures during the subsequent stewards' investigation, leading to a €120,000 (AUD $200,000) fine.

After a year off, fans will once again be invited onto the track at the season opener on Sunday, March 16.

“The track walk is a unique and cherished experience for our fans, and we are very excited to be able to welcome it back for 2025 and have this incredible moment shared around the world,” AGPC CEO Travis Auld said in a statement.

“There is nothing quite like seeing the passionate fans join in the celebration following the race, and we can only hope that this year they're celebrating an Aussie on the podium.”

This year's race will see Australian Oscar Piastri, who finished fourth overall in last year's drivers' championship, aiming for his first hometown win with McLaren. Meanwhile, 22-year-old Queenslander Jack Doohan will embark on his first full season with Alpine at this year's race.

The AGPC has introduced several safety measures to support the return of the tradition, including purpose-built barrier gates, enhanced track protection infrastructure, and bolstered security.

Published by
Millie Lembke