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perez safety measures Mexican Grand Prix paddock

Perez critical of his own fans: 'Last year they went over the limit'

26 October 2023 at 22:54

Sergio Perez, like many other drivers, is happy with the tightened measures on the paddock in Mexico. Perez himself is held in high regard by his fans, but even the hometown hero felt things went too far last year.

The organisers of the Mexican Grand Prix have taken measures to avoid the security problems of 2022. Back then, the paddock overflowed with fans, who also wormed their way into places where they really shouldn't be. That shouldn't be the case this year and Perez is also happy that the matter is being addressed.

Perez not happy with own fans

"I think we've got to appreciate it. Obviously, the Mexican fans are really enthusiastic, but at the same time we have to make sure that the drivers are comfortably going around the paddock. I think that should be a nice balance and I just want everyone to have a great time in my country and I think that's something that went over the limit last year. Hopefully this year it can be improved because overall it's, in my opinion, the best reception for all the drivers in the world," Perez said.

According to the other drivers in the press conference, it was already a lot quieter on Thursday than it was last year. Whether the organisers can manage that throughout the weekend remains to be seen. Verstappen was very happy with the reception in Mexico so far, but didtake two bodyguards with him to this race weekend, just to be sure.