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Aus GP to investigate F1 fans' track celebrations

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation will investigate how and why fans were allowed onto the Albert Park circuit while the cars were still returning to pit lane after Sebastian Vettel's win.

It is customary after Formula One races for fans to stream onto the track to watch the podium celebrations, though the gates are usually opened once the cars are in the pits.

On Sunday, however, hundreds of fans surrounded the track while Vettel and his competitors were making their way to the garages.

AGPC chief executive Andrew Westacott was embarrassed by the hiccup, saying he expects to find "a mistake made in the signals".

"I am concerned because we have very, very strict processes that for 21 races have worked beautifully so something went amiss," Westacott told Speedcafe.

Sebastian Vettel during the race. Pic: Getty
Sebastian Vettel during the race. Pic: Getty

"We don’t know what yet, but we have got an investigation happening with our people, including CAMS, who obviously look after the track from a race organisation point of view and a race control point of view.

"All the logs and everything else is going to be investigated. We have to make sure that spectator safety both from the track point of view and throughout the venue, and also the workers who will be loading up the freight tonight, is looked after.

"I don't think there was any malicious intent on behalf of the public."

Westacott appears to be correct with that judgement.

While the front straight was quickly filled with people who wanted a view of the podium, most fans near the cars stayed on the grass.

Some daring supporters ran onto the bitumen to wave at race winner Vettel, who was shocked by the situation but appreciative of the support.

"It was quite mad, in a positive way, when I was coming back to the pits and the people were running on track going wild with Ferrari flags. It was unbelievable," the Ferrari driver said on the podium.