The fans in Mexican Grand Prix It has always been characterized as one of the largest and most fervent of the entire calendar. Nevertheless, For some Formula 1 drivers, that enthusiasm has passed the limits of respect and personal space.
As usual, F1 has sold tickets so that some spectators can go through the paddock, traditionally exclusive to teams and drivers. However, in Mexico, the attitude of the fans has begun to overwhelm many drivers, who cannot walk from their ‘hospitalies’ to their pits without the fans grabbing them for photos and not letting them advance.
The level of overwhelm has been such that many pilots used the ‘hospitality’ of the FIA after qualifying to avoid meeting with the fans and to be able to calmly reach the respective areas of their teams, of which several have already contracted private security to avoid risks.
“It is true that there are many people in the paddock. It is good because it shows that there is much more interest in F1. It has always been crazy here, but this year it is even more so,” said Charles Leclerc. his partner, Carlos Sainzhe even had to ask the fans for a bit of calm: “I love having the fans around me and cheering us on. I suppose that being Latinos we have a kind of special relationship with the public. I only ask you to remain calm, that we are in a paddock, that they do not push or shout too much“.
harder it was Pierre Gasleywho acknowledged that coexistence with the Mexican fans was costing him: “Letting people in is fine, but it is true that some guests sometimes do not respect the space we need. People are entering the garages before qualifying and asking for photos when they are not even from our team. We are working and serving the fans when we can.”
“This weekend I have not dared to leave the ‘hospitality’ because if you do they harass you. Yesterday I arrived here with the open backpack in which I carried my passport and I hadn’t even noticed. We talked about it in the pilots’ briefing. It’s great that there are fans, but maybe we have to find a way for them to understand where the limits are and when they should give us a little more space.”
Until lando norrisknown for being one of the most friendly and smiling riders in the paddock, commented on the difficult situation they are experiencing at the Hermanos Rodríguez circuit: “I love having fans here, especially when they are children. But people who are older are not having respect for our personal space. They should feel lucky to be in the paddock so close to us. It’s easier for us to go through the back door and not sign anything, but it’s something we want to do, just like being able to walk around the paddock. People need to respect and know where the limits are.”
The British teammate at McLaren, Daniel Ricciardoshared his opinion: “Being in the paddock and having a VIP pass is a privilege. I think you have to act maturely and have respect. And it hasn’t always been shown this year. People lose their minds.”
The Australian accompanied his statements with a suggestion to set some rules to access the paddock: “If everyone just says ‘please’ and ‘thank you,’ we’ll still give them that in return (photos and autographs). They come running, say nothing, take the photo and leave. Maybe it will help to establish some guidelines. There might be a window where they couldn’t get close, like 15 or 20 minutes before a session starts. We need to have a certain peace of mind to be able to get behind the wheel of these cars.
Instead, the team boss of both, Andreas Seidl, said that this environment is positive: “When I left Formula 1 in 2010, I tried the paddocks of the DTM, WEC or Le Mans and it was much more fun because it was open for fans. . When I came back here, the environment was sterile and too quiet. This path is the right one.”
However, the McLaren boss acknowledged that in Mexico the situation has gotten out of hand: “It’s too extreme here. We have to have a good discussion with F1 and see how we can make sure we have a certain level of respect. I’m sure that the appropriate measures can be implemented in the short/medium term”.
