The FIA has explored the possibility of reducing the number of people allowed on F1 starting grids in the light of Neymar 's appearance at the Spanish Grand Prix.
Brazil and Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar, who was also in Monaco for the previous race on the calendar, was one of the celebrities hovering around the grid in Barcelona. The 31-year-old spent several years in Barcelona before joining his current club, and has made a number of returns to the city.
The sight of famous faces on the grid is not a new one, with a number of celebrities seen throughout the race calendar. However, after Neymar was spotted on the edge of the grass on the main straight while cars went about on their formation lap, questions have been asked.
According to Motosrport.com, a restriction of access is one option on the table, with safety a chief driver of the potential measure. The same report acknowledges an incident at the Australian Grand Prix in April, when fans invaded the track late in the race.
"We must take learnings from the incident at the Spanish Grand Prix," FIA president Mohamed Bin Sulayem said. "The FIA has been assured by [Formula 1 chief] Stefano Domenicali that measures are being taken to ensure that there is no repeat of the incident.
"It is an issue not just in Formula 1 but also in Formula E and World Endurance Championship and other categories from my recent experiences with too many people on the grid at some events.
"I have no doubt that in all cases, the promoter will adhere to the FIA requirements on safety and security. It is the duty of the FIA to ensure a safe environment for all. Safety in motorsport is the Federation's main priority."
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As for the actual race at Circuit de Catalunya, things largely went as expected on the track. Max Verstappen won comfortably, and has since added another first-place finish in Canada to extend his lead at the top of the drivers' championship.
It was a double podium for Mercedes, with Lewis Hamilton finishing as runner-up to Verstappen and George Russell claiming third. Mercedes remain second behind Verstappen's Red Bull team in the constructors' championship, with Aston Martin close behind them in third.
A report on the Neymar incident is anticipated in due course, with a number of potential conclusions on the table. Whatever is decided, the FIA is said to be anticipating a "remediation plan that addresses the safety and security concerns".
