Spanish GP told ‘unacceptable’ spectator issues ‘must be fixed’ in 2023

Spanish Grand Prix organisers have been told that “unacceptable” spectator problems seen last weekend “must be fixed” when Formula 1 returns in 2023.

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya welcomed a full crowd back for the first time since 2019 with an estimated 300,000 fans attending the race across the entire weekend.

Those huge crowds led to massive queues at gates, while outside congestion both on the roads and public transport was also severe.

Worst, however, was stories of fans struggling to get water in the summer-like temperatures, which sat in the mid-30s on race day, due to a lack of refreshment stands and supplies around the circuit.

“It is true that there have been mistakes that need to be worked on and modified,” circuit CEO Josep Lluis Santamaria explained. “It has been a Grand Prix with the third best turnout in the history of the race.

“On Friday there was a larger number of people than expected. We estimated 25,500 people and 54,000 came and handling these large numbers of people required work on many areas. We are already working with both traffic and mobility departments to provide a better service to everyone.

“We understand the discomfort of the spectators. Some have had no problems, but at some points, there has been quite a lot of congestion.

“On the refreshments, the temperature on Friday was very high, so there were significant queues at some points.

“We took action on that same night from Friday to Saturday, opening 45 more points of sale that were planned for Sunday, and seven more, for drinks only,” he explained.

“It should be noted that for the first time coolers were allowed to enter, with bottles of up to 1.5 litres, and the caps were not removed, and removing them is something that is always done in sporting facilities.

“It is possible that at some point some of the supply locations may have been short on water, but it was replenished throughout the day and there were other drinks available as well.

“What we couldn’t control was the temperature. Everything was sized according to the number of people who were coming, but the temperature has worked against us.”

After years where its future has been uncertain, this year’s Spanish GP was a great boost for the event as it held the first race of a five-year deal until 2026.

But after hearing of the problems for spectators, F1 issued a statement saying: “We have made the promoter aware this is not acceptable and must be fixed for next season.”

Santamaria also revealed that Stefano Domenicali had mentioned the issues in their post-event communication.

“I received a letter from the President and CEO of Formula 1, in which he congratulates us on the weekend, stresses the importance of the Spanish GP in F1 history and celebrates the passion that has been experienced during the Grand Prix,” he told Motorsport.com.

“In the letter, F1 also points out that there are things that we must work on together, both the circuit and F1, to continue to improve and make the experience even better for the fans.

“Domenicali said that Formula 1 and the circuit will discuss issues like traffic and other minor ones to make the whole weekend better.”