The paddock is under high surveillance in Mexico this year
Following the issues reported by the actors in 2022, the organizers of the Grand Prix decided to tighten certain aspects of security. However, the actors find some of them too excessive and others insufficient.
This season, the Mexican Grand Prix stands out primarily for its reforms in terms of security and access. In 2023, the organizers have decided to restrict access for fans/VIPs to the paddock in response to concerns raised in 2022. The drivers have admitted that they are heavily approached by their supporters, with constant requests for photos and autographs.
The movement of the drivers between the garage and other facilities had become complicated and long. After the Grand Prix, Pierre Gasly even declared that he had discovered his backpack had been opened, as fans had entered the AlphaTauri garage at the time.
Interrogated in a press conference, Alexander Albon declared not to be particularly worried. “I think we should make our sport as accessible as possible, so I don’t see any major issues with people being in the paddock, but I know there are obviously limits,” explained the Thai driver. “To be honest, I don’t think the paddock has been that problematic. For me, the real concern was more about leaving the paddock. Sometimes, when you’re leaving the paddock, you almost risk running over people’s feet because they get too close to your windows and so on. These things can be a bit trickier, but as for the paddock, I don’t worry about it as much.”
A shooting near the race track.
A shooting occurred near the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez during the night from Thursday to Friday. According to the Security Secretariat of Mexico City, the events took place a few hundred meters from the race track, in the Ignacio Zaragoza neighborhood. Several individuals attempted to steal a vehicle before the arrival of law enforcement on the scene. An exchange of gunfire ensued.
The provisional assessment is one death among the thieves and three injured persons (a taxi driver and two policemen). Despite this incident, the schedule has not been affected. The authorities have simply ensured an increase in security.
Verstappen under surveillance
Continuing with regards to security, Max Verstappen has also been assigned a bodyguard provided by Red Bull. Perez’s supporters can be fierce on social media, and recent booing heard in Austin did not reassure. In 2023, some executives from the Austrian team had expressed criticisms and strong statements against the Mexican.
In the Mexican press, Checo Perez’s father added fuel to the fire by stating that his son did not have the opportunity to show his true talent due to the way the team was built around Verstappen, making the Dutchman responsible for his son’s inconsistent performances. In this context, Red Bull took no risks, anticipating possible reactions from Perez’s fans, despite Verstappen’s disagreement.
