F1 race officials announce major change to 2024 event

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F1 race officials announce major change to 2024 event

The 2024 edition of this classic race will look slightly different

Sam Cook Digital Journalist

Sports Journalist who has been covering motorsport since 2023

Saturday 27 January 2024 01:57

Australian Grand Prix organisers have warned that they're making changes for the 2024 edition of the race, after dangerous scenes the previous year.

Albert Park has hosted the event since 1996, barring two missed editions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and is a popular early-season event.

In 2023, the race saw fantastic drama with three red flags and four safety cars being called into action before Max Verstappen managed to claim victory ahead of Lewis Hamilton.

The race actually finished behind the safety car, lulling fans into a false sense of security as they took to the track before the race had actually finished.

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To make matters worse, spectators managed to get close to Nico Hulkenberg's Haas car, which was stranded on track with a warning light flashing, suggesting that the car was not safe.

The thrilling 2023 Australian Grand Prix saw Max Verstappen beat Lewis Hamilton to the victory

Fans got to Nico Hulkenberg's car just as the race finished, prompting safety concerns

An FIA investigation into the 2023 Australian Grand Prix is still ongoing

Australian GP chaos

The whole event was criticised, with safety concerns and a 'missing lap' scenario causing confusion during the final red flag restart, overshadowing the actual result.

An FIA investigation into safety at the 2023 event is still ongoing, and event organisers have decided to therefore issue a complete clampdown on track access for the upcoming 2024 Australian GP.

"Decisions regarding patron access to the track at the conclusion of future races will be made at a later date."

Max Verstappen Lewis Hamilton Haas Nico Hulkenberg Albert Park