Quebec Tourism Minister Caroline Proulx has admitted she is “deeply embarrassed” by the chaos at last weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix after Sky F1 commentator Martin Brundle led criticism of the race.
The Canadian Grand Prix has long been regarded as one of the highlights of the F1 season, but this year’s race in Montreal was rocked by a series of events.
Politicians respond to Canadian GP criticism after Martin Brundle slams ‘logistical chaos’
Five environmental activists were arrested for blocking traffic on a local bridge and communication problems between race organizers and Montreal police caused delays for thousands on both Friday and Saturday.
American rapper and singer Pitbull was forced to cancel a concert in Montreal after heavy rain caused flooding in the car park and commentary area at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
It was also revealed that some fans were denied entry before practice on Friday due to incorrect information.
Canadian Grand Prix: Highlight of the F1 season?
👉 The Wall of Champions explained: How the Canadian Grand Prix corner got its scary name
👉 The Canadian Grand Prix’s surefire formula that new US F1 venues should emulate
The chaos continued on race day, with Canadian Grand Prix organisers being called in by FIA stewards after a large number of fans invaded the track at the end of the race.
Race stewards described the incident as “a dangerous environment for spectators and drivers” and warned that “heavy fines will be imposed” if the same incident were to occur again in the future.
Post-race article Sky Sports In his column, Brundle described the Canadian Grand Prix as a “logistical mess” and claimed F1 had “gotten out of hand” at the Montreal venue.
He said: “I’ve been attending the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal since 1984.
“This year was certainly the least enjoyable in terms of the venue. The popularity and scale of F1 today has outstripped the facilities and the rain has made things worse by making access muddy.”
“The police and security were becoming more and more aggressive and less helpful. Logistically it was a total mess.”
Responding to widespread criticism of the incident, Prue admitted he was “embarrassed” by how the Canadian Grand Prix weekend unfolded.
“It was embarrassing. It was really embarrassing. I’ve spoken to a few people and I’ll be speaking to them more in the coming days,” she said, according to the Montreal Gazette.
“I’m not feeling well. I didn’t like what I witnessed this weekend. I’m not feeling well. I’m not comfortable at all.”
“I’m very embarrassed for our international image and for Montreal’s image.
“Please remember that the Quebec government is the main provider of funding for the Canadian Grand Prix, and we count on everyone to work hard to put on the best possible Grand Prix.”
“My job as minister is to attract tourists to Quebec.
“[For] It’s my job to make sure that the image of Quebec, the image of Montreal, is perfect internationally, especially with an event like the Canadian Grand Prix that has a billion viewers. [tuning in]. “
Read next: ‘Does he really want to be a driver?’ Helmut Marko questions Lance Stroll’s F1 commitment
