Flooded hospitalities and misinformed fans: How the organizer of the Canadian Grand Prix publicly apologizes after the “unacceptable” circumstances
The organizer of Formula 1’s Canadian Grand Prix has apologized for the chaotic scenes in Montreal and promised “serious follow-up” with contractors to make future improvements.
Teams had complained about flooded hospitality areas and leaking roofs during the rain-affected race weekend. The lack of suitable parking facilities also caused annoyance, as only a muddy path connected the paddock with alternative parking spaces.
Formula 1 boss Domenicali apologized to the team bosses for the working conditions at a meeting at the race track on Saturday morning.
The organizers were also forced to issue a statement: “We have sincerely apologized and understand the frustration this has caused. We recognize that what has happened is unacceptable and have taken steps to mitigate the situation for Sunday, including an alternative route.”
“We are aware that leaking tents and media stands are not the standard we want to maintain and we will be making serious inquiries with the third parties involved,” the organizer added.
He also responded to a communication breakdown that resulted in some race fans not being able to get to the track on Friday. They were incorrectly told that both practice sessions had been canceled due to heavy rain.
The organizer blamed the local transport authority Société de transport de Montreal (STM) for the incorrect information. “Regarding the storm on Friday before FT1: there was never any communication from the organizer that the sessions were canceled,” it said in a statement.
“We told fans in the stands to leave due to the weather, but we asked fans in the suites or permanent buildings to stay put.”
“We temporarily prevented fans from entering the circuit for safety reasons as they were safer in the subway, in their cars or in the casino. Later in the day, we realized that the STM, the public transport company, had announced a cancellation without our knowledge or consent.”
“As soon as the weather front had passed and it was safe, we let the fans back into the grandstands and onto the site,” assures the organizer.
The Canadian Grand Prix has a contract until 2031 and this year, despite the circumstances, recorded a record attendance of 350,000 spectators over the three days
