Has the Formula 1 Paddock become Unsafe for Drivers?

[@amandas_reading_nook]

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

[@TommoOnYoutube]

Hahaha oh wow that's such a cool story! What a guy he is.

[@WiiofGoo]

what a king

[@mafiousbj]

Abaolute legend! Indeed Finns are usually not attention seekers and very respectful, which clearly shows in the way he left the autogrpah there!

[@LordWay]

Goattas

[@carrot5610]

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.

[@TommoOnYoutube]

Perhaps, although sometimes the drivers are happy to be approached. It's a fine line between respectful, and over the line.

[@carrot5610]

@@TommoOnKZbin Agreed, I think a good way to work around this is too have some security members that are about in the paddock and step in if its getting too much. Drivers/team member's would also be able to let them know if someone had done something particularly egregious.

[@Billy_W]

I feel like people will break that rule just to get their picture or up close or whatever then just leave

[@Anthony_Stuart]

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

[@TommoOnYoutube]

And the amount of paddock passes being allocated has shot up massively. Yet the paddock is only a finite size.

[@MuziBytes]

The incident when someone (alex i think) coming to the pits during the race with photographers already in the pitlane was outrageous

[@schabur365]

Isnt F1 making enough money already? Surely there is an “enough” figure that can balance with these guy’s safety ? the world is only turning more extreme and polarised, and whether one wants to admit it or not, whack-jobs can have money too!

[@evandrochaves9596]

@@schabur365 the expression "enough money" doesn't exist in this business

[@ENKTDeeColon_and_randomnumbers]

RIP in pepeloni leg brace lady at Monza, hope at the very least that pack of wild dogs enjoyed their meal

[@IamSam614]

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 🏎️

[@TommoOnYoutube]

And you got an infinitely better experience for it! Good stuff Sam. 🙌

[@holdanemeth]

That's awesome!!!🥺

[@elsharkone7]

Glad to hear that Danny Ric lives up to his reputation outside of track as well

[@walover165]

I was lucky enough to bump into him at airport checkin in Melbourne in 2014. He was absolutely lovely, kind, and generous with his time, when asked politely.

[@HaistaViTTuUx]

All these wankers trying to get 5 likes to their 50 instagram followers, shoving phones in drivers faces, fuckin sad people lol

[@tyh211]

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.

[@TommoOnYoutube]

This is it, they're top of their game for a reason. They're not reality TV stars

[@GeoffWulf]

Yeah the point made about it being their workplace is a very good one, for the mechanics as well. That access also doesn't really exist in other sports where athletes and teams are getting prepped while fans are just wandering about in the middle of it all. It would be like football games having fans hanging out in the locker room and mulling around the sidelines while they warm up.

[@aidancarlisle5078]

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

[@TommoOnYoutube]

Having drivers with no security is pretty mad

[@y_fam_goeglyd]

That must have been terrifying for them! I would freak out!

[@mamavswild]

That is unacceptable. More security and organization is needed at all times in these situations

[@kwilliams898]

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

[@TommoOnYoutube]

This is what I mean, proactive instead of reactive.

[@JakePeroni]

@@TommoOnKZbin Yes mate

[@cuy50]

I've always been dumbfounded how many "people" (celebrities) are allowed on the grid or just hanging around. I'm amazed how fans are allowed on the tracks. It's been this way since the beginning though. The only thing that will change this and increase security is a murder, plain and simple. Until one of these drivers is shot or stabbed to death by some psycho parasocial weirdo fan the way fans are allowed so close to drivers will continue. We all know this. Humans are reactive creatures, very rarely proactive, particularly when it reduces profit.

[@cptmitchell983]

Yep worded perfectly, it’s only a matter of time.

[@mafiousbj]

If US celebrity culture is fully introduces in F1, sooner than later a stalking incident will happen. Luckily teams and drivers travel around the world so it's harder for one person to constantly be following someone specific, but it can happen.

[@AudreyH48]

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

[@TommoOnYoutube]

This is it. It feels like it's only a matter of time

[@rhyswilliams4893]

The sheer cost of it is probably keeping the worst away.

[@cuy50]

It will happen. A driver WILL be murdered or severely injured by some psycho at some point. It's inevitable. THEN we MIGHT see change.

[@randombrit4504]

@@cuy50 Ah, the Lauda approach, wait until someone's in a hospital bed then do the change that's very obviously needed. A classic.

[@y_fam_goeglyd]

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 :)

[@TommoOnYoutube]

F1 should definitely look to other series to learn more for sure, good shout Mandy! 👌

[@rocksteady2263]

V8 supercars here in Australia do basically the same thing, there are a couple of times during a race weekend when the drivers are accessible.

[@p8ntbawlr210]

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.

[@TommoOnYoutube]

Like an aisle down the middle? That drivers can jump in or out of to get around? That could work

[@schabur365]

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.

[@TommoOnYoutube]

It's a very sad truth aye

[@Smitt01999]

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.

[@TommoOnYoutube]

Not a bad idea y'know

[@dovidknopf2550]

Indy has that

[@bloodybruce8628]

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

[@tinalansdell91]

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 😂😭

[@charamia9402]

The consequence for breaching a guideline should be 'bye bye, see you next year' or something to the effect. Being kicked out for not following the rules is a very understandable direct consequence that really hurts if you really want to stay there.

[@TommoOnYoutube]

I think Bottas would look great in a neon hairband personally

[@tinalansdell91]

@@charamia9402 Totally agree but unless there are staff designated to checking fans arent being like that how would it be done, particularly considering such different cultures at each track I don't see how it could be standardised

[@charamia9402]

@@tinalansdell91 I don't know, but staff/security throughout the paddock and a simple set of rules like 'don't touch the drivers', 'don't be a nuisance' and 'don't be in the way of peoples job' might go a long way in getting rid of the worst behaviours like physically grabbing a driver round the shoulders and turn him to get a photo/chat/whatever it was someone reportedly did.

[@MuttleyRacer]

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.

[@aubanurmi]

I second this.

[@TommoOnYoutube]

I appreciate this Muttley, too kind 🙌

[@AlexPettitt]

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.

[@caziis13]

The number of tickets for the paddock is already limited because the sponsors also get some tickets to make promos, invite famous people and business partners. I think guidelines would be ideal, it's already expensive and losing the pass for bad behavior should work, also a designated open spot to meet the fans and take photos, the team could have someone with the driver to assist

[@TommoOnYoutube]

Why thank you Alex. I guess paddock access will always be finitely limited, because it's a physical space. But it's a good point you raise.

[@mamavswild]

You can have exclusivity (there is still only 20 drivers) without giving up accessibility for fans. The two are mutually exclusive.

[@SandooronBlitz]

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.

[@TommoOnYoutube]

It's a good point Sander 🙌

[@JK-fb6dl]

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

[@TommoOnYoutube]

The Ferrari curved sidepod would have been a better analogy 😅

[@JimTheFly]

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.

[@TommoOnYoutube]

Good stuff Jim 👌

[@lucystevens3820]

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.

[@walover165]

That was supposed to be the paddock!

[@Glegh]

Minecraft entity cramming be like:

[@sqweeps.03]

XP farm💀

[@sheldoniusRex]

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.

[@alecerdmann8505]

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.

[@TommoOnYoutube]

I need to take up that Road America access one day,!

[@maxmustermann6612]

That is why I would prefer to visit a Indycar race

[@alecerdmann8505]

@@TommoOnKZbin If you haven’t watched Bus Bros on Josef Newgarden’s channel with him and Scott McLaughlin, you should. It’s fun and also shows how loosy-goosey IndyCar is in comparison to F1.

[@josh_richards]

@@TommoOnKZbin it’s a fantastic track, it’s crazy having a Indy car race here in Wisconsin (especially where it is in specific lol), I’ve been there plenty for races and go karting it’s a lot of fun. One of the guys I live with was there this summer and got grosjeans, Palous and hertas autographs.

[@FRIEDWINGZ17]

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!

[@TommoOnYoutube]

Cheers Kaz!

[@thedj9553]

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.

[@FFS-Vert]

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

[@judithguertin7646]

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.

[@No1_sp3cia1]

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

[@mattle841]

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

[@TommoOnYoutube]

Problem as well is every paddock is unique, the layout and size varies a lot.

[@mattle841]

@@TommoOnKZbin monaco being very small shouldn't have any people coming in paddock other than team guests.

[@emileboucher-cloutier3529]

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

[@TommoOnYoutube]

There's definitely something there Émile, haha!

[@CarimboHanky]

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.

[@jakem5039]

FOM not the FIA. The FIA only do on track stuff, promotion is all handled by FOM!

[@djdsf]

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.

[@78drea]

It's great that they are accessible at all. Their weekends are fully packed from Thursday to Sunday. We were in Austria, there was the meet and greet on Saturday morning and the Green carpet on sunday and I'm sure they also took time in the Paddock for Fans and some are always in the Paddock Club. Then they have all the Media and Sponsor commitments, drivers Meeting, engeneers meeting, grid Walk, preperations for the sessions, Meetings after the sessions. And people than expect them to be on top of their game and critizize if they don't get it right all the time. But Hey, make them do more stuff, make them more accessible... I don't know, these drivers are still human beings and a lot of them really young ones. There is a limit. And they should have time for their actual Job. In my opinions people have too high expectations. Most aren't even trying to have a little emphatie. Maybe all of US start there. Also, on some social media it's crazy how much 'hate' the drivers got because they talked about this. It makes me angry.

[@karenkwan9782]

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.

[@Becketh]

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.

[@turbo_brian]

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.

[@20ege008]

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

[@MultiWillz]

I don't think it's unsafe yet but it only takes one "overly passionate fan" to assault (or worse) a rival driver of their 'fave.' It reminds me of I think it was Wimbledon from 20 years ago where a female tennis player got stabbed in the neck by a fan of another player because she kept beating her and he took it upon himself to get rid of her rival. In this day and age where F1 fans aren't actually fans of Formula 1 in general, they're now fans of specific drivers and the racing seems incidental, you could potentially see someone mimicking that incident from back then and putting a driver or a member of a team at risk of serious injury. That's my main concern...

[@TommoOnYoutube]

Bloody hell, that's mad. And scary.

[@purpledahlia1969]

@@TommoOnKZbin It was former No 1 Monica Seles who was stabbed between the shoulder blades with a boning knife by a man who supported her rival Stephanie Graff. It happed at a German tournament when the players were sitting down between changing ends. The knife penetrated her back by 1.5 inches and she took several weeks to heal and left the game for 2 years.

[@vishekgopal9728]

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.

[@TommoOnYoutube]

Cheers Vishek, it's a fine line like you say!

[@crazycjk]

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.

[@TommoOnYoutube]

When you're creating content, you don't see the audience. It could be 10, it could be 10 million. Doesn't change the filming process. Once it's out there, it's impossible to control its impact.

[@jamieroe8]

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.

[@marcosgonzalez1688]

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

[@hamburgermatty]

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

[@Masher818]

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

[@ravi_s]

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

[@christianwestling2019]

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.

[@chriscuthbertson]

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.

[@Banyo__]

I read some idiotic comment somewhere that said, the drivers should stop whining and complaining about fans because they are being paid a lot to do this. What is that? Drivers aren't complaining about fans. What they don't want is to be mobbed, or grabbed, or unable to get to meetings because they can't walk two feet through the paddock. They also get fined for not showing up on time for things, so they aren't running past just to ignore fans. I think at the very least, there needs to be a lot more security now if guidelines are given out beforehand to guests that says if you violate this and security sees it, teams report you, drivers report you, you're caught on camera, you'll be thrown out with no refund. That's a real incentive not to go crazy if you paid 12k to get in.

[@christopheracevedo8328]

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

[@woobyvr9654]

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.

[@Tjomppa7]

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.

[@ToyotaCorolla-qs7ml]

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.

[@KingHoborg]

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.

[@zo7034]

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.

[@Latiosx123]

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

[@BigPundo]

Entitled fans thinking a paddock pass gives them the right to meet/greet every driver. The drivers owe you nothing.

[@marcnobel3938]

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

[@knaguar]

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.

[@n1x823]

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.

[@jnr42]

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.

[@Icehammer97]

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

[@WillO221]

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 :/

[@FS84727]

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

[@TommoOnYoutube]

Nothing to be sorry for pal, you're spot on! 👍

[@FS84727]

@@TommoOnKZbin also your quality is content man I’ve been watching f1 and your channel since 2019

[@euangallagher7545]

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)

[@na-pb1he]

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

[@MihneaStoian]

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.

[@jouhannaudjeanfrancois891]

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!

[@orlab6966]

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

[@TommoOnYoutube]

Honestly the entitlement of people who feel that way is baffling Orla. Zero empathy, really sad.

[@RhiannonT01]

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)

[@lagundafire]

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!

[@AsafSagi]

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.

[@TommoOnYoutube]

I appreciate that Asaf, and I agree

[@blacktoothfox677]

I respect what you have done here, Tom

[@oonmm]

At 1:30, I instantly threw my hands into the air a screamed "GO RED BULL!!! \o/", and from the next room I heard my gf respond by yelling "YEAAAAHHH!!". This is who I am, the Red Bull fan boy. Hell yeah! \m/

[@TommoOnYoutube]

🤣🤣🤣

[@williamvowles5692]

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

[@braydenb7968]

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.

[@MikeD-ej2ho]

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

[@daniel19159]

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.

[@matrix-theoriginal.7266]

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.

[@joshuafrancis1959]

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.

[@ArielGonzalez1]

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

[@finderskeepers8]

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.

[@TheTororist]

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.

[@niji16]

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

[@MA-yt4xf]

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.

[@mclarenjohnf1]

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.

[@kunoCS.]

- no running - no grabbing/touching unless agreed upon for pictures/handshakes/high fives, whatever - increased security around drivers that the driver can communicate to and say they want to be left alone any breaking of rule gets you removed from paddock and pass revoked.

[@cowen9790]

Pretty sure Tommo is trying to tell us by not showing his ‘private life’ that he’s a criminal in his spare time

[@TommoOnYoutube]

no comment

[@scottw3958]

Simply have times where the paddock is closed, such as qualifying or hour before the race. And more security staff?

[@dwaynediah4595]

I totally agree with you If you are a true f1 fans please respect the drivers

[@federicosaitta5900]

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

[@ironmike316]

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

[@Explicitly-CJ]

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.

[@ras_732]

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

[@mafiousbj]

I would blame F1 and the teams for selling all kinds of "exclusive VIP experiences" with paddock access, and every GP being filled with random family and friends of organizers or sponsors...seems nlwdays every team boxes is filled with random people watching the GP besides the mechanics. Even the big name celebrities seat besides team principals as if they are helping.

[@sixor94]

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.

[@TommoOnYoutube]

Cheers Sixor 👌

[@wynndoughs]

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

[@andrefael]

Just give them a backstage hallway. If they want to be seen, they can go through the paddock, if they need to get somewhere without being disturbed, use the backstage access. Ideas like headbands etc would only work if the fans were respectful enough to not break them. When it's a possible once in a lifetime opportunity to be with your favorite driver, many wouldn't care and would even risk being expelled out of the paddock. You could make the drivers access media events via paddock and team / performance events use the backstage.

[@donrickparcon1156]

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

[@emojack]

One of the issues could actually be the price tag on those tickets. If people pay this much money some/many will feel some kind of entitlement: "i payed 14k for this ticket, so you guys owe me!". A better way would be if all tickets had the chance to "win" the paddock access. This could make people feel more humble rather than entitled. But then again... With this many people willing to pay those prices F1 is NEVER going to change this system.

[@xuxon24]

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.

[@CutieSocks]

In the furry community, because we have so many people with disabilities and mental conditions that mean touch can be very stressful or even dangerous for some people, we have a colour coded wristband setup for conventions. Red means do not touch, yellow is ask permission, green is go for it. Something as simple as that could work really well in my opinion

[@TommoOnYoutube]

Not a bad shout y'know 👌