Why F1 drivers are calling for respect as fans fill Mexican GP paddock

In keeping with a recent trend the F1 Experiences organisation has sold hundreds of packages that give paddock access to well-heeled fans.

However, drivers have found the atmosphere oppressive with fans physically pushing and pulling them whenever they try to make it from their hospitality buildings to their garages, seemingly with no respect for personal space.

While paddocks have become busier as Liberty Media has opened up access and tried to monetise it Mexico has reached an unprecedented level of hysteria, with scary scenes as drivers are mobbed when they venture out into the open.

On Saturday after completing their post-qualifying TV pen interviews they had to be ushered through the FIA hospitality building to a quieter back route to the rest of the paddock, while some teams have employed extra security guards outside their hospitality buildings.

The topic of fan access was discussed in Friday evening’s drivers’ briefing. Most admit to mixed feelings about what’s been happening in Mexico.

“There are loads of people in the paddock,” said Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. “It’s good, because it shows how much more interest there is in F1. It’s always been crazy here, but especially this year. But on the other hand, maybe we need to find something [to allow] us to walk a bit easier in the paddock.”

“I love having the fans around me,” said Carlos Sainz. “I love having everyone around us cheering us, especially I guess because I’m Latin, we have a kind of a special relationship. I only ask everyone to stay calm, that we are in a paddock, that they don’t push or don’t shout too much.”

Pierre Gasly admitted that he was finding life difficult in Mexico.

“I think letting people in is fine,” said the Frenchman. “But it’s true that now we feel like some guests sometimes are not really respecting the space that we need. People are coming in garages before qualifying and asking for pictures when they are not even from our team.

“We’re working here, and obviously we give time for the fans when we can. But this weekend I didn’t dare come out of the hospitality, because otherwise you get mobbed. And sometimes it gets quite hectic.

“I arrived at the hospitality yesterday morning with my bag with my passport open, and I didn’t even feel it.

“We talked about it in the driver’s briefing. I think it’s great, and also to see kids and people really enjoying…