Criticism of Canada’s family doctor Martin Brundle sparks ‘shameful’ admission from politician

Caroline Proulx, Quebec’s tourism minister, admitted she was “very ashamed” of the chaos at last weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix after Sky F1 commentator Martin Brundle led criticism of the race.

The Canadian GP has long been regarded as one of the highlights of any given F1 season, but this year’s race in Montreal has been rocked by a number of events.

Politician hits back at Canadian GP after Martin Brundle slams ‘logistical mess’

Five environmental protesters were arrested for blocking traffic on a local bridge, as communication problems between race organizers and Montreal police delayed thousands of people both Friday and Saturday.

Pitbull, the American rapper and singer, was forced to cancel a concert in Montreal after heavy rain caused flooding in parking lots and even commentary boxes at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

It also emerged that some fans were turned away at the gate before training on Friday due to erroneous information.

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The chaos continued on race day, with the organizers of the Canadian Grand Prix being summoned to the FIA ​​stewards after a large number of fans entered the track at the end of the race.

Stewards described an “unsafe environment for spectators and drivers” and issued a warning that “a significant financial penalty will be imposed” in the event of a repeat incident in the future.

Post-race writing Sky Sports column, Brundle described the Canadian Grand Prix as a “logistical mess” and claimed that F1 had “outgrown” the Montreal venue.

He said: “I’ve been visiting the Canadian GP in Montreal since 1984.

“This year was undoubtedly the least enjoyable in terms of venue. The popularity and scale of today’s F1 outstripped the facilities, and the rain turning the approaches to mud didn’t help.

“The police and security seemed increasingly aggressive and unnecessary, it was a logistical mess.”

Responding to widespread criticism of the event, Proulx admitted he was “ashamed” of the way the Canadian Grand Prix weekend unfolded.

According to the Montreal Gazzette, she said: “I was ashamed. I was quite embarrassed and had a few conversations with some people and will have more in the coming days.

“I’m at ease and I didn’t like what I witnessed this weekend. I do not feel well. I don’t feel comfortable at all.

“I am very ashamed of the international image and of Montreal.

“I remind you that the Quebec government is the main source of funding for the Canadian Grand Prix. I expect everyone to work for us to have the best Grand Prix.

“My job as a minister is to bring tourists to Quebec.

“(For) the image of Quebec, the image of Montreal, it’s my job to make sure they’re perfect internationally, especially for an event like the Canadian Grand Prix, that there’s a billion viewers (tuning).”

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