The organizers of the Mexico City Grand Prix have been diligently addressing security concerns for Formula 1 drivers this weekend.
Last year, the extensive presence of VIPs and members of the public in the paddock resulted in several drivers facing unwelcome attention.
To mitigate this issue, they have implemented measures, including a reduction in the number of people allowed in the paddock. Additionally, they have launched a marketing campaign to promote respect for all drivers, featuring billboards encouraging fans to keep rivalries on the track.
The topic of paddock safety was raised during Thursday’s Press Conference, with Yuki Tsunoda from AlphaTauri expressing a positive view of these developments.
“Yeah, for me it is easier and I like it,” the AlphaTauri driver briefly summarised.
Estaban Ocon, on the other hand, believes it not to be an issue.
“I think it’s part of what we do, you know, to have fans, supporters and obviously more and more fans, looking at how the sport is going,” he said. “I think it’s a great thing.
“We bring attention to the people and I think it’s just cool to see some atmosphere in the paddock.
“I mean, if we can’t move at all and get to the garage it becomes a problem but I’ve never seen it like that yet.”
On the other hand, Alex Albon believes that the issue doesn’t primarily stem from the paddock itself but rather from the transition to and from it.
“To be honest with you, I don’t think the paddock has been that bad,” the Williams representative said. “For me it’s more been kind of just getting out of the paddock.
“I don’t know how you guys feel, but sometimes you kind of leave the paddock and almost run over people’s feet because they’re kind of all coming up to your windows and everything.”
Red Bull teammates Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen have been prominently featured on billboards put up by the Grand Prix promoters, promoting the message of respect.
Sergio Perez, the home favorite, emphasized the significance of conveying this message, stating, “I think it’s important that we give this message because I think the media likes to create this sort of rivalry outside the track, and I think we are a great sport.”
“We are a great example for a lot of young generations and we should just be focused on the sport side.
“And whatever happens on track should always stay there and that’s the best message we, as a country, want to give to the rest of the world.”
Zhou Guanyu, George Russell, Charles Leclerc, and Lewis Hamilton also shared their perspectives on the matter of paddock safety. Zhou candidly admitted that last year was “pretty chaotic.”
“The more the merrier is great but at the end of the day, we’re all here to do a job,” Russell added.
“And last year, we were struggling just to get from our engineers’ office to the garage without people jumping on us and sticking cameras right in our face.
“It was a bit of a strange environment. So yeah, I’m happy for the paddock to be packed as long as we’ve all got a sensible way through to get to where we’ve got to be.”
Leclerc pointed out that “we have to wait and see” if the issue reoccurs this year, acknowledging that the crowds in Mexico contribute to what “makes this place special.” He noted, “But it’s true that on our way to the garages, it was a little bit too much last year, so let’s see if we found the right balance – I don’t know that yet,” concluding his thoughts.
Lewis Hamilton, undeniably one of the most renowned figures on the grid, emphasized that security plays a crucial role in enabling him to interact with fans effectively. He stated that without it, engaging with fans would be more challenging.
“Ultimately I do have security just to help me get through crowds, without I wouldn’t be able to move as quickly and swiftly as I do,” the Briton asserted.
“It also enables you to have a better interaction with people so you’re not getting overcrowded.”
But the man the Mexican fans all really want to see, is, of course, Perez and the Mexican’s final thoughts on the matter of paddock safety call for a balance.
“I just want everyone to have a great time in my country and I think that’s something that went over the limit last year, that hopefully this year can be improved, because overall, it’s in my opinion, like the best reception for all the drivers in the world.”
