Liberty 'disappointed' by security issues but Brazil race will survive

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A spate of violent incidents marred last weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix and roiled the F1 community, but the events have not put the future of the race in jeopardy says Liberty Media.

Mercedes team members were held at gunpoint and robbed last Friday after leaving the circuit, while staff from Sauber, Williams and Pirelli were also targeted by thieves in the vicinity of the track.

The concerns also prompted Pirelli and McLaren to call off a tyre test scheduled this week at the track.

A Liberty Media spokesperson said Formula 1 is "not standing idle", and is putting the ball in the race organisers' court, making clear it requires a strong response.

McLaren tyre test at Interlagos scrapped for security reasons

"We will once more press on the promoter this [security] is a higher priority," he told the UK's Standard Sport.

"The promoter is essentially in charge of the circuit and the local authorities where we race are in charge of the area outside the circuit.

"That’s not saying that we’re doing away with any responsibility.

"We can’t, say, affect police rotas. Whether we should have races in cities with difficulties like that is something that is a broader question.

"We are extremely concerned and are evaluating through the security company we work. We will report back to promoters — we’re not standing idle.

"We have our own security team that travels with us and we are actively involved, but we cannot be experts in every city we go to.

"We have a year between now and the next race to get it sorted, and we would be extremely disappointed if things have not been looked at," the spokesperson added.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.