Formula 1 drivers have spoken about their worries after being "grabbed and chased" by over-zealous fans at the Mexican Grand Prix.
The grandstands in Mexico City are heaving as F1 fever sweeps over the capital city this weekend. Sergio Perez is the obvious hero as the racer flying the flag for the locals, but everyone else on the grid is popular as well among the F1-mad fans.
The paddock has been heaving as well, with plenty of fans apparently happy to pay a little extra for VIP passes. Grabbing selfies and asking for autographs is a regular occurrence in every paddock, but there are concerns some are taking things too far in Mexico.
Pierre Gasly is among those drivers who have reported an issue. "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," the Frenchman said.
"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 it, but just maybe find a way where they can understand where to reach us, and when to give us a bit more space."
Lando Norris added his voice to those concerned, pointing his finger at some of the adult visitors to the paddock. "I love having the fans in here, especially when it's kids and stuff. And in a way, you can't control what they do, like kids are kids, that's cool," said the Brit. "They're looking up to us as being in our place one day, and dreaming of what we're doing and, and we're the idols and heroes and so on.
"I think that's just that's cool, that's fun, that's life. But I guess more for the older people and so on there's not as much respect for just personal space and things like that as what there should be. They should feel lucky enough to be in the paddock, and get to be as close as they are to us."
TV cameras caught some of the issues on Saturday, such as when security had to help George Russell through a gaggle of fans so he could get to the Mercedes garage ahead of qualifying. After that session, Max Verstappen was also seen being hassled by a large group as he walked through the paddock.
Mirror Sport understands steps are being taken to make sure drivers have clear walkways in the paddock, and to ensure everyone's safety at all times.
"Amazing energy in Mexico and busy paddocks are great, but drivers rightly worried about *some* over-zealous behaviour grabbing them and chasing them," wrote F1 reporter Chris Medland. "One team member mentioned helping a child up who'd been knocked over – it all just needs calming down a little bit."
Commenting on the matter, Grupo CIE – the Mexican Grand Prix event promoter – told Mirror Sport: "We have an incredible group of fans here at the Mexico City Grand Prix who are very passionate about Formula 1. However the safety of everyone at the race, in the paddock and around the circuit is our priority and we continue to work with the FIA and teams to ensure this is the case."
