Has the Formula 1 Paddock become Unsafe for Drivers? 

I meet Valtteri Bottas at a restaurant during the US Grand Prix. Me and my family where all wearing F1 gear and my boyfriend had a Bottas hat and shirt on. Bottas subtly dropped an autograph note in our table and walked away. We all didn’t realize who he was at first but waived when we did. Since he is a pretty shy guy I am glad we didn’t make a scene and called attention to him since he clearly wanted to eat in peace

F1 has been doing a very bad job of managing crowds for a while now.

I think they just need to set some rules for media/paddock visitors that if they swarm drivers or get physical they get removed from the paddock permanently.

I bumped into DR at a hotel in Bahrain. Super nice guy. I asked him (very politely) if I could get a picture with him. He was clearly leaving the hotel, but went and put his bag in the car and came back inside to chat with me and my friend for a couple of mins before I got my picture. He did remark that most people demand rather than ask nicely. I was and still am very grateful for a few mins of his time 🏎️

You got it absolutely right with the parasocial relantionships. We can't forget that the drivers ( no matter how relatable they are ) are there to work and perform on the highest level, so they need the highest level of protection espacially in an area designated for F1 personel.

I was in the paddock for a tour in Mexico. The only ones that I saw really get swarmed was Carlos, Charles, and Checo. They were swarmed to a not even being able to move level. Everyone else was able to walk pretty freely just with a large crowd around them. I think they just need to hire more security to walk with the drivers. Some of the drivers had no security with them

I don't think it has become unsafe but I think something has to be done soon otherwise it definitely will be

It's shocking that there hasn't been incidents with fans in the paddock with how many randoms are walking around.

Implement a route through the paddock that is sectioned off with those retractable belt barriers (maybe colored red to signify the significance of this route) and when a crew member of a team (driver, team principal, engineer, or even media team) is walking down that route, fans cannot interact (ie. run up and smother them for autographs, interviews, and selfies). That means they are needed somewhere in the paddock and they are trying to get there with the upmost importance. If you see a driver, team principal, engineer, etc. outside that blocked off area, it's fair game. Go up (with respect, mind you) and request pictures, autographs, interviews, etc. But once it gets too hectic for their liking, and they move towards the red belt barriers. Back off.

The BTTC and other sorts of racing have a good system. Fans are not allowed in the paddock until a certain time around the lunch break. The drivers sit behind a table and sign photos and have a brief chat with each of the fans. The drivers are watched over, the table gives them space, but the fans also get to join in. It's a timed thing, the fans know this, and it's a good atmosphere. My kids went there when they were quite young with their dad, and came back with a bunch of photos and big smiles :)

very well said mate. especially with this current vibe of people vilifying drivers on live TV. some people just can’t separate these ideas being put out in the world about celebs/athletes/“stars”, from the reality that these guys are just there to race cars and probably actually get along fine with one another.

at it's current rate, peoples behaviour not just in the paddock but in the grandstands and the whole event as a whole is going to go too far, we've seen way too many times just this year of how toxic of an environment it can be

I recon they should open times for fans to meet drivers throughout the weekend, with every driver having to have a set period to meet fans as part of their weekend obligations. A paddock pass should allow you access to 1/2 of these per weekend based off which team you are part of the paddock for. Drivers can then open up more time should they wish where fans from other team’s paddock representations can come and see them in a facility similar to the media centre away from the cars and machinery.

Actually laughed when you went on about big Dave dive bombing the AM sidepod😂

Maybe have a “safe zone” somewhere in the paddock that is only accessible to drivers, their families and friends and the people who work there to give them some breathing space but it also doesn’t completely stop fan access giving the drivers the choice as to whether they want to go out and meet fans or not.

Definitely like the idea of guidelines as well as a code for if drivers are happy to interact with fans or not - that said what the consequences for going against the guidelines and how well/how at all they would actually be implemented is another thing. This all said - i know the neon headband was slightly joking but imagine if all drivers wore neon headbands in fan photos 😂😭

DUDE that intro before your channel card was smooth as marble. The face swap at 1:03 was a good laugh The use of my own frickin' scren at 1:27 to show me my own mug downing a pot noodle was a brilliant wall break. Only halfway through this one, but holy hell your videos show so much creativity and are so enjoyable to watch.

Taking a moment to be polite and courteous to them and thankful for their time makes for a MUCH better and more memorable experience, and it makes the person you're meeting far more likely to give their time. Hell, that's how I got my picture with Hideo Kojima and I still can remember the whole interaction years later.

Perhaps F1 should quietly implement tiers of paddock access where only the absolutely top tier gets complete freedom of access. Sell most of the paddock passes to tour guided groups who get to be there every day but have certain places they're scheduled to attend at certain times, and other places and times which are quietly but definitely off limits. Allow some gray area in enforcement so people don't feel too constrained. Combine that with special seating and some exclusive merch and people will totally eat that up. I.e. blue group gets blue badges and everyone gets a blue F1 bag or hat etc, while red group gets red badges and red merch and is at different places at different times. Some groups are focused on a specific team and will spend most of their time in those team areas and given that team's merch. Just tour guide the paddock access more with less time for total freedom and get the butts in assigned seats (or at least zones, like a special lounge or something) during sensitive times. They don't even need to know that there are people who actually do get total access, because for all they know those other folks are professionals doing their job.

Thanks for the interesting video. One important point is that the paddock at first should be a place for drivers, teams and journalists to do their work in a safe manner. So this should be the measuring stick on whihc everything should be measured. If people cannot work safely, then things should be changing. Mexico last week was clearly over the top.

Top video mate!! Covered the topic really well. More guidelines is a great idea, with the repercussion of having your pass removed if you break them. I also wonder if raising the price and reducing the number of tickets for this exclusive access could help too. I love how accessible Liberty have made the sport... but maybe Bernie was onto a little something with always wanting F1 to have that very 'exclusive' feel.

What’s needed is one area designated for meet and greets, with tables and chairs set up so fans can line up and get their autographs or photos with the drivers. Eight drivers at a time per meet-and-greet session until the last one of the day where it’s the drivers of the bottom two teams. Stop letting the public walk around the motorhome area altogether and put them in the meet and greet area. Also make it clear from the get-go by introducing paid passes to get into the meet-and-greet area that say right on each pass that a driver can end their interaction with you at any moment for any reason. Access at that level is a privilege, not a right.

Well said about parasocial relationships. As a viewer I sometimes forget that but it’s important to remember

Montreal GP does something good regarding paddcok acces. On thursday, people get free acces, stand behind barriers and can take pictures/ask questions to anyone who is available (pilotes, engineers, etc). Great way to have acces without disrupting anyone during practice/qualification/race days.

The headband idea isnt bad. Each driver could customize theirs just like they do their helmets haha. Glad you are talking about this subject bc it is definitely overlooked by most. Keep it up!

regarding the drinking at 11:50 I had the chance to attend my first GP in Singapore last month and I was with my younger cousin. We had all-access passes so there were already significantly fewer people compared to the general admission passes. Near the evening/end of the night, there were plenty of rather tipsy attendees that were either making a scene or walking up to strangers. Of course, most of them were rather friendly and having fun so I didn't really mind them but we had encountered two separate guys that would just walk straight up to our faces while we were taking photos and started "talking" (note that they're pretty drunk) to us and cheering about the race. Note that we're both of smaller stature girls so it was quite surprising and I tried my best to take care of my cousin. I know our experience isn't as bad as what other fans had encountered in other countries and I would like to add that there was plenty of security and staff on hand at the circuit but it was still rather disconcerting. Now I can't imagine how it would be more the drivers if some of the paddock guests decided to have one too many drinks and end up trying to get close to them. We can already see how they react to their favorite drivers but I would hope that we won't end up hearing stories about haters acting maliciously toward the drivers. Hopefully, in the future, they could have more security/bodyguards protecting the drivers or they could implement designated lanes for drivers to use if they are in a hurry so that don't get stoped at every turn.

They should have a more safer space for drivers. If the paddock is very small it should only be open to well known people. If the paddock is big enough they should have an area that is staff only. Having fans is in the paddock is part of F1 but the drivers need to have their respected personal space and privacy

Minecraft entity cramming be like:

Obviously there are a lot fewer people at IndyCar races (except the Indy 500) than F1, but paddock access has been (relatively) accessible for a long time at IndyCar races and it doesn't really seem like it has been a problem. I was just looking at prices, for Long Beach (the second most prestigious race on the calendar and the most "glamorous" street/road circuit) A three day ticket with reserved seating is $175 and three day paddock access is an additional $70. For the race at Road America a four day full-weekend ticket is $160.00 and the paddock is open to all fans.

Limiting the paddock pass would solve the problem to some extend. If we have 20 drivers then multiply it by 100 and give only 2000 paddock passes

Some people ain't ever been anywhere. This is like someone flying first class for the first time. Once people realize that there's basic etiquette, then they'll fall back in line. However if teams made drivers more accessible more often, then people would be fighting less when they only see them for 5 seconds.

Yes, it should have more strict ruling, but your idea of the ''neon headband'' is quite good! Maybe a light on their vest? When its lighten up, you can interact, and when the driver had enough, he switches the light off! Even, a three lights system! I have in mind the lights on the doors of the WEC cars for positions. It would be where one light is just a quick selfie, two is selfies-signatures-etc and three is freely speak to them a couple of minutes? I'm brainstorming hahaha x)) Sorry for my english #frenchcanadian

The whole thing about the parasocial relationships is so true. I've 100% had that with myself, and unfortunately it takes some time, and serious effort to notice and accept the fact that these celebrates, or whoever it may be, will never be your friend. You need to put yourself in the drivers shoes, and think about how you'd feel if a random stranger knew every detail about your life, when you've never spared them a glace before. It's okay to love and cheer from a driver in a more personal manor, so to say. However, everyone needs to be respectful and understand each of their boundaries.

Que me trying to see my mug in the black screen lol. Big dave and the Aston Martin sidepod 😂😂

I'm too poor to ever afford a paddock pass, so let's get rid of them. Screw people richer than me.

it goes down to FIA and the security i have never experienced a f1 race live but i have lots of concerts under my belt and while i have had the chance to meet bands and their team, i always do it with respect. just like when i see them in the street or restaurant prior to the show, i try not to interrupt them, i probably make some eye contact, a nod of acknowledgement and move on.

Guidelines need to be there. Also, for your neon headband system, I think it'd be easier if a representative of FOM would accompany the driver as an indication they're available and they'll also be the ones to stop the interaction once they're done

I think it's pretty simple, let less people in, have security guards, make the rules clear, kick people out who violate those rules. I got a pit pass to an indycar race a few years back (it was very cheap) and there was a clear atmosphere of what you can and can't do. It totally worked.

Maybe a marshall and flag system in the paddock as well… green flag to approach drivers, blue flags to make way for them.

Was in the paddock in australia, everyone respected the drivers and only really got photos with them if they were clearly willing to (got one with yuki and Gunter)

F1 should add a rule where fans can’t go into the paddock 1-2 hours before the race/quali as they are much more important than free practise and after that they can go in and get photos/autographs etc.

The person on your right at 1:27 is so beautifull man.

I love how Tommo was talking about Parasocial relationships.I feel like there are too many fans that believe they are relatable to their favourite athlete or hero in all types of sports. I would say its perfectly normal in most cases as we all want to feel as if we a part of a group or fanbase though there is that fine line (which Tommo explained well) between which it becomes a die-hard obsession with a person or a perfectly respectful and passionate support for your favourite driver. There should be definitely be more guidelines on how to interact with drivers at different periods as at the end of the day, they are human and have emotions too. It is also their job.

I have worked in sports media in the US for many years. I think a good way to do it is with the passes drivers wear. You add a light to it. When it's green they want to be approached. Red don't approach

Check the newest Behind the Charge by Red Bull, you can see Sergio interacting with Mexico fans but this time he has like 4-5 guards around him. In my opinion, seeing how many fans there were and how many times you see him around them this is that kind of situation being better safe than sorry. Another good video Tommo btw.

Agreed. This is fully on the FIA/F1. A cut back on the numbers is needed, i expect some changes would take place after this weekend’sGP.

i do DJ’ing at local raves and we often get in quite popular artists headlining the shows and ive played a a few sets next too theirs and when your in the back room or swapping over onstage it feels really cringe worthy to just get in their space and ask for photos etc, they are people too and they will actually enjoy your company if you just treat them like normal ass people, it’s dehumanising when you dont. i had one pretty renounced producer ask me “you dont want a photo or anything man?” he was pretty surprised when i said nah its all good and we just ended up chatting about synthesisers until our set times came around.

Social media has a lot to answer for.... as a musician I see it all the time, people are more interested in getting the photo or video than actually having a real experience.

One thing that I have seen at other pro events, there are autographs sessions hosted by different sponsors and even the series. This gives a sent time that people know when, where, and how long a drive will be available to the public. It is a controlled environment and the drivers and fans seem to enjoy it. This could be something that F1 adopts.

I was at the Race of Champions in Piteå, Sweden this past winter. A very intimate affair; if you lived at the host hotel resort where the track was, you saw and could interconnect with all the drivers. I had a beer next to Mika Häkkinen and ate my breakfast next to Vettel. I would never dream of pestering them. I did a "cheers" in the air to Mika (due to being slightly drunk) but only admired Vettel from afar. True fans respect the people they admire, they don't pester and bother them.

I think each driver on the grid should be assigned 1 or 2 security guards that are with them while theyre walking freely in the paddock. As you said, most people have good intentions but all it takes is one person. Having a trained professional or two there to know what threats to look for and to also just help the drivers feel more comfortable in big crowds of people would be a good idea imo.

I had no idea paddock passes cost that much lmao that’s obscene. I’m looking at those crowds differently now. Paying that much money probably makes people feel very entitled to do whatever they want and be as rude as they want :/

Seems to me the guidelines idea can be something you sign when you buy the paddock pass. You then get a reminder when you enter the circuit each day. That gives enough warning and heads up. If you break them, someone, either a team/driver rep or F1 staff or just any member of F1/Team staff, can report you to F1. You are then barred from buying a paddock pass again. This then acts as a hard barrier, banning people who break the rules but also as a deterrent.

I think guidelines are better than increasing cost because then that just pushes out the less rich (she says, hoping one day to afford a pass 😅). I think the head-band idea is great. Maybe like a green light, red light situation? They could have team shirts that are inverted colours or white to indicate more clearly (as some drivers have longer hair that could cover the head band). The drivers must feel like they are safe otherwise things will go south. Better to address it now before it sours.

They've increased the sense of 'celebrity' regarding drivers through DTS and other advertising stuff, but it seems like they haven't changed much else to match that increased popularity. It's sketchy as is, and will get dangerous unless they do something. The first thing being, create space for the drivers and such to do their job. Allowing random people to wander around and crowd around drivers is a poor decision.

I'm not sure what the paddock is like in Melbourne as I've only gone through GA but we have Melbourne walk which is the entrance to the paddock where fans can line up along the barriers and the drivers can walk through and interact and keep walking and it works well! It gets crowded nowadays but it's definitely still worthwhile. I feel like if all circuits had something like this it would possibly make the paddock situation a bit easier? (However with Melbourne walk there is a back way in so that drivers can avoid it all together and still get to the paddock *cough Carlos when i waited for an hour because I was told he was coming cough* safely)

Especially Lando who got his watch robbed on a Event directly in the public. I guess that makes him especially aware of the dangers.

Do a morning and an arvo session and have minimal areas (between the motorhome and garages) for team personnel only with social areas beyond the motor homes.

Ages ago, I had the privilege of spending an entire day in the Sauber garage, doing my best not to interfere, waiting next to Alesi (told you ages!) for hours, so starstrucked not even capable of talking to him... i guess i am not a typical modern fan!

I think that they should have a time in and around crucial periods of the weekend where people can't approach the drivers such as within 1 hour of quali.

i think not approach prior to session (no matter if it's FP1 or qualy) is a good move

I feel like actual full paddock access should be invitation only or lotteried off, and paid access limited to certain times or spaces - obvi the revenue is important to f1 but it also creates an entitlement to getting your money’s worth

was at the miami gp, had a pitlane pass, briefly saw lando as i was leaving but could barely see him because he was instantly swarmed by a crowd of like 20 people, poor lad just looked so bothered and wanted to get to where he was going

i get their concern but i'll never forget the iconic moment in mexico when the crowd was chasing lewis down the paddock and a dude fell over spectacularly after running into another fool.

Great video! I've found myself becoming increasingly irritated, by hearing and often seeing on TV, the disrespect and lack of manners some fans have in the paddock. And these 'stans' obsession is clearly verging on unhealthy and they are following the sport for the wrong reasons. I heard pierres bag got raided at Mexico? Some comments on twitter have stated they are fair game as they are 'famous' but the reality is the drivers do not owe anyone their time or attention and they did not choose a career in f1 for fame. They are athletes at the top of their game. Too many self entitled instagramers looking their photo for their socials

maybe empty the paddock 30 mins before any session and 1 hour before the race

Nice hat! Where did you get it from?

I thought the hat idea was pretty neat! My spin on it would be just the normal hat that they'd have on ever so often, and if they're wearing it, they're working, and if not they're happy to interact with peeps!~

I respect what you have done here, Tom

F1 has always been “open” in the paddock and once, in the track too. I have seen for example a video of Michael Schumacher arriving at the line and the fans all over the racetrack literally in front of him centimeters away. Of course, at least now it wouldn’t be allowed. Anyway, I always quite fear for the safety of the drivers: In many sports, accidents from fans or spectators have happened. Imagine if the drivers have someone following them , sometimes it could be for an autograph, other times they are spying,stalking or “bullying” them, other times again they could be innocent but the driver would be unsure of it and uncomfortable/scared. On DTS Mazepin said that while passing, he overheard a spectator say something quite unmoral about a deserved accident that happened on track between other drivers or something like that. Also, we all know how immature many people of all ages are so they could say these things to driver’s faces etc. so yes, they can bully them even if only for 3 minutes, especially if they are following them to insult at them. Also, more people allowed in the paddock equals to higher risk of cheating, spying and sabotaging on other teams.

Drivers are people too and they should be respected in the same way as any other person. Guidelines and rules would definitely help the situation. Maybe the best solution would be not to approach the drivers at a certain time. Or drivers should not be approached at all in the paddock. Maybe there should be a separate event with drivers and fans. And yeah, I agree. You get the best experience by talking to a person.

I remember meeting Alex Yoong at a product event in Malaysia and I spent a good 10 minutes nervous just trying to find the words to ask if I could take a picture with him

Thank you for putting out this video now before something like that happens. It's easy and profitable to make a reactionary video when something topical has happened, but honestly this is way more respectable. We should learn from those cautionary tales before they actually occur.

still remembered how Kimi pushed the camera man away from him.

I think Liberty tried to make the paddock like Comic Con. Overcrowded and overwhelming.

this would be kind of extreme and maybe the drivers wouldnt like it but personal security, just to keep things in check, how the drivers want it and incase of accidents

Seriously Timmo, this is a problem. I worked at the Toronto International Film Festival this year and it’s really a safety concern. People’s behaviour toward celebrities can be unsettling, putting them in potential danger, intentionally or not, other fans or themselves. It’s mental

I think if I saw an F1 driver in the paddock or in public I would be nervous to go up to them. What if they tell me to F off that would ruin it for me lmao

If you think about it Leclerc was with friends and his trainer Andrea Ferrari in the Tuscan city of Viareggio for Easter celebrations, where the Ferrari driver was recognized by fans asking for photos and autographs. Amidst this, the alleged fans got a hold of Leclerc’s Richard Mille RM 67-02 and swiped it. Initially, he was not even aware that it had gone missing. After everyone else left, he realized that someone had stolen his $320,000, Richard Mille. But if he had felt the thief trying to get it would he have been injured for it. Lando also had his watch stolen but it was different circumstances. These drivers are under contract to wear watches that are worth more than a good house and clothes that cost as much as a family hatchback they have an arrow above their heads saying ROB ME I remember the teams getting mugged. Safety is missing but has never been NO1 on F1 list, Even Bernie got Mugged for his watch, he turned it in to an advert.

Have set times where everyone can be around, like a meet and greet at a concert. Say 2-3 hours before session start. After the set time is up, everyone is escorted out.

I think such as wrestling events, perhaps doing meet and great day or a couple of hours. And after that you're not allowed to approach them, or they are allowed to say no.

Really interesting point about the parasocial relationships, which is what makes things difficult imo. It isn't a real friendship as you say, but drivers (in this instance) will want to develop the relationships with their fans to sell merch/build a following/etc for monetary gain. My initial reaction is that you can't expect to have your cake and eat it, but equally nobody should make someone else uncomfortable regardless of the nature of their relationship.

I was lucky enough to afford Monza paddock Tickets. It was amazing to just sit and watch drivers come and go. I have no idea why some people think it’s ok to yell and mob people. Honestly people nearly knocked Seb off his bike when he came in. Mental!

If the driver is wearing a cap you can't bug/speak to them. So basically never. That's what I'd want if I was a driver.

Like you said, in football, theres a place to get pictures and autographs (all be it unofficial), when the players arrive off the coach/getting back on. There should be an official time and place for that in F1, and approaching drivers outside these times should be banned. I'd suggest having an official meet and greet or something with a rotating cast of drivers each race, before practise, and say after the days sessions have ended you could potentially approach drivers if they want to come back out to meet fans, as I'd assume it'd be "easier" to hide or leave quickly if you didn't want to be swarmed after. It's a really tricky thing to solve and I don't think they should get rid of it, it just needs more boundaries. Even having a way drivers could get to their garage without sharing the same paths as the fan experiences would solve a lot. But most tracks don't have the space already.

Maybe choose a specific number of paddock pass could reduce the crowd giving more space to drivers and their families.

Security around the drivers could help their safety whilst keeping people up close when the drivers want to.

150 people died in South Korea being crushed by a giant crowd. If you have no security for the drivers they could totally get injured.

To keep the paddock open without putting physical barriers back in, there should be strict code of conduct that all pass holders need to sign up for and the F1 should be strictly enforcing. Clubs will throw out people who behave badly, so should F1. Then everyone knows what's expected, what's ok and what the consequences are for going over the limit.

Ask kimi, I'm sure he has a solution. FLASHBACK: Kimi pushover a cameraman running him too close

Indy car has had much better access to drivers in the paddock and it isn’t even that cost prohibitive and you never hear those drivers complain about it. I think part of the problem is the F1 drivers are so used to being coddled they don’t know what to do when people are actually allowed to see them

Not f1 but I went to the Toronto Indy with my dad who got paddock passes through work (Honda) and it was awesome it was a full weekend and it was crazy getting that close the cars but it was packed with adults behaving badly I made sure to keep calm and give everyone drivers team members etc with respect it’s not hard to be a decent person I saw Marcus Ericsson interacting with other fans so with basic social skills assessed the situation walked up hi Marcus can you sign my hat please when you have a moment have a nice interaction and create a lifetime memory it’s not hard I saw Josef newgarden walking around hey Josef can I get a picture sure no problem and after say thanks and good luck no matter who it is just be respectful sorry for this long ass rant

Since Australia I have been seeing way to many people there, I don't know if it was 2 years of covid but when you see it so packed that people can walk normally it's too much.

Another thing is the drivers might even feel used just for photos. A lot of fans or people who aren’t big fans but want to get a photo in, run up to them and shove their cameras in the drivers faces expecting them to smile for the photo, and walking off. No hello, can I get a picture, or anything! It’s so disrespectful.

The Paddock Club has been around for a long time. The reality is a lot of the tickets will go to corporates meaning those who are fortunate enough to get into the paddock will often not have the level of knowledge of someone who pays £100 to stand in general admission

neon headband, and drivers must do a certain amount of headband time per weekend so every driver is accessible at some point

Just a set of times either side of certain periods (FPX, Quali, etc) where fans are not permitted in paddock, or not permitted to approach drivers/team staff would be simple

I think there should be an off-limits time or something drivers can wear to show they should not be approached. A team staff member can also be an escort during the times they don't want to be bothered. I wish it was public knowledge the type of security each circuit has used this season.

I think we’ll see more and more drivers with bodyguards at races next year

I could never imagine doing something crazy like grabbing onto a driver or just being rude and demanding a photo. If I'm only going to interact with a driver once in my entire life, I want the experience to be positive for me and the driver, because I'll likely never have a chance to redo it