Red Bull F1 driver Sergio Perez discussed the atmosphere and the Mexican fans in an interview ahead of the 2023 Mexico City Grand Prix.
The race at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is famous for the huge crowds of passionate fans who flood the circuit to support their favorite drivers and teams, but mainly, their home hero - Sergio Perez.
In 2022, there was a whopping 395,902 fans present at the Mexico City Grand Prix. The problem was the paddock got a bit overcrowded, and it was tough for drivers to move between places without losing too much time.
Red Bull Racing team announced that Max Verstappen will have two bodyguards accompanying him everywhere he walks this weekend.
The Dutchman later explained it was not because of safety but to help him stay on time with his tight schedule when moving between multiple places.
In relation to the large number of fans flooding the paddock, Sergio Perez told the media it is something that should be appreciated but recognized it creates logistical problems.
"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."
The 33-year-old wants all the drivers with their teams to have the best time, and it is not possible if they get interrupted and held up everywhere they go.
"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."
What also happened last year after the race is that Lewis Hamiton, in second place, got booed by the crowd during the post-race interviews in the stadium section of the circuit.
While we hope we can avoid such behavior that does not belong to the sport of Formula One this year, Perez added he hopes for an improvement.
Hopefully this year it can be improved because overall it's, in my opinion, the best reception for all the drivers in the world."
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