- F1 spectators resort to extreme tactics to view the action
- The Aussie GP clocked up a record number of attendees
Formula One fans have lashed out at the organisers of the Australian Grand Prix after some spectators resorted extreme tactics to make sure they were able to see the high-speed action on Sunday.
The F1 season kicked off at Albert Park in thrilling fashion, with Lando Norris clinching a dramatic victory over Max Verstappen in rain-soaked conditions.
More than 465,498 fans walked through the gates across the four days for this year’s event, surpassing last year’s attendance by more than 13,000.
However, not all the spectators in the General Admission section – which costs $309 for a four-day pass or $169 for race day alone – were happy with what was on offer.
One racing enthusiast took to social media to show fans perched precariously on bins and picnic tables in order to see their favourite drivers battle it out.
‘This is what a General Admission ticket looks like at the Formula One if you haven’t got the money to get a grandstand ticket unfortunately,’ posted TikTok creator srp_moto, showing footage of spectators standing on tables in the rain.
Many fans stood on picnic tables to get a glimpse of the high-speed action
‘They started pulling the picnic tables from down there. Everyone has dragged them up here – and they’re standing on them now.’
In another clip, captioned ‘Do not get GA (General Admission) tix to the Melb F1’ he shows a similar situation, with fans standing on bins and tables to try and glimpse the racing.
‘There’s your General Admission to Formula 1,’ he says.
‘That’s what you’ve gotta do to see it.
‘If you haven’t got tickets to the grandstand, this is where you’re gonna be, this is how you’re gonna watch it.’
Aussie fans got another shock on Sunday when they saw Gold Coast-born rookie Jack Doohan crash out on the opening lap.
It was Doohan’s first race as a full-time F1 driver after making his debut in last season’s finale at Abu Dhabi.
Already turning his attention to next weekend’s race in Shanghai, Doohan refused to be disheartened despite his horror show in Melbourne.
Advice from dad and MotoGP legend Mick, who watched from the Alpine garage, has helped lift his spirits.
More than 465,498 fans walked through the gates across the four days at Albert Park this year
‘He had many times where he was scraping along the ground at much higher speeds than me as well so at the end of the day, I’m just going to have to learn to accept this,’ Doohan said.
‘I’ve got no better person in my corner that has been through that and been through these tough times.
‘It’s my first shunt in one of these Formula One cars. I’m sure it won’t be the last. It’s a brutal way to have it, but it happens.
‘I didn’t want it to happen, but it has. I’ve accepted it and I’m not really looking for excuses.
‘I made this mistake and I accept it, and I look forward to just bouncing back.’
