F1 News: Alex Albon Raises Further Mexican Grand Prix Safety Concerns

Overcrowding continues to be a concern.

Williams driver Alex Albon explained that the safety issue addressed in Mexico, concerning the number of people entering the paddock, was not the real problem like last year. A more serious challenge arose when he was trying to leave the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit. 

Formula 1 and the race organizers have allowed a limited number of fans to be present in the paddock at the race venue after serious concerns about overcrowding were raised at last year's event.

The 2022 episode saw drivers being mobbed by plenty of fans eager for selfies and autographs in between sessions, which made it difficult for drivers and team members to make the short trip between garages and hospitality. Many drivers called for better security to be in place after the event. 

The situation reached its worst after people got access to the garages and thus became a hindrance to team operations, with then-AlphaTauri driver Pierre Gasly even claiming that his backpack had been unzipped by a fan without his knowledge. 

When asked by the media if enough measures were taken by authorities this year to address the safety concerns faced last year, Albon answered by saying that the problem has shifted to the location right outside the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit. He told RacingNews365.com:

"It's a tricky one.

"I do think we do need to make our sport as accessible as possible, so I don't see such a big issue with people being in the paddock, but I do know there's obviously limitations to it.

"To be honest with you, I don't think the paddock has been that bad. For me, it's more been kind of just getting out of the paddock.

"Sometimes you kind of leave the paddock and almost run over people's feet because they're kind of all coming up to your windows and everything.

"That stuff is maybe a little bit more touch and go, but yeah, with the paddock I’m not too worried about it."