An employee of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez dies on the construction site of the Mexican Grand Prix
A 61-year-old man died during the works of the Autrodromo Hermanos. The worker's daughter, who also works on the site, denounces a forced work pace.
This weekend, the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is hosting the Mexican Grand Prix. The last-minute work and preparations have been ramped up so that everything is ready for the event. However, one of the workers who was working on the edge of the track died on Tuesday, October 24. He was a 61-year-old man named Raúl Ramírez.
According to the investigation report, the employee died around 1 p.m. While he was working on the edge of the track, Raúl Ramírez reportedly lost consciousness. Once people arrived on the scene to administer first aid, the worker showed no signs of life. The Mexico City prosecutor’s office is already investigating the incident.
After the incident, one of the sixty-year-old’s children came to testify. She also works on this construction site and reports that since last weekend, the workers have been working at a frantic pace, the place having to be ready for the start of trials on Friday. She also adds that there is a lack of rest time granted to workers according to the Mexican media Publimetro.
This man was not to be attached to the F1 staff like those carrying out all the Grand Prix in 2023, however, the promoters of the Grand Prix also employ many people at each event.
The pressure of the schedule
This incident calls into question the working conditions on these construction sites. In recent years, the schedule has expanded with the addition of new races. This season, there are a total of 23 Grand Prix, including the first edition of Las Vegas. In this demanding schedule, Grand Prix organizers are faced with track requirements and constantly evolving regulations. Some handle this pressure and adapt better than others.
In certain countries where working conditions are difficult, the pace is intensified.
The workers are indirectly subjected to media pressure, as their superiors demand quick and quality work. The world’s eyes are fixed on a country and a circuit for a weekend, which can lead to certain abuses. In addition, the FIA exerts pressure for the organization of a Grand Prix to be perfect and for the track to be in excellent condition. The International Federation has already decided not to renew the contract with certain circuits. The workers are directly affected by these pressures, which results in difficult working conditions.
