Canadian GP promoter promises “serious” review of performer over F1 problems

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has responded to complaints made by teams about flooded hotel facilities and leaking roofs during the rain-affected race.

Team staff, guests and media were also dismayed by the lack of adequate parking spaces, with only a muddy track connecting the overcrowded parking lot to the paddock.

Domenicali apologized to team principals at a track meeting on Saturday morning for working conditions that are contrary to the team’s pre-race ambitions.

A statement from the organizers sent to Motorsport.com said: “In relation to (parking) and the departure, we have sincerely apologized and understand the frustration this has caused, acknowledge that what has happened is unacceptable and have taken mitigating measures for Sunday, including an alternative route .

“We are acutely aware that leaking tents and media booths are not up to the standards we would like to maintain and we will be taking serious follow-up action with the third parties involved.”

The organizer also responded after a communications breakdown resulted in some race fans being unable to access the track on Friday. Many viewers were wrongly informed that both training sessions were canceled due to heavy rain.

Photo: Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images

The organizer blamed local transport authorities, Société de transport de Montréal (STM), for incorrect information.

The statement added: “Regarding Friday’s storm before the first training session, the promoter never received any information about the session being cancelled.

“We have advised fans in the stands to evacuate the stands due to the weather, but have asked fans in suites or permanent buildings to remain seated.

“We have temporarily prevented fans from entering the track for safety reasons as they were safer on the subway, in cars or in the casino.

“Later that day, we understood that the public transport authority, STM, had taken it upon themselves to announce the cancellation without our knowledge or consent.

“As soon as the front passed and it was safe to do so, we allowed fans back into the stands and into the stadium.”

The Canadian Grand Prix is under contract to remain on the calendar until 2031, and this year it attracted a record 350,000 spectators over three days.

Watch: Canadian GP Race Review – Wet and wild vs. cool and calm