Too many people in the paddock for Pierre Gasly
Access to the Paddock is of course given de facto to team members, drivers, engineers, and mechanics. But with all the VIPs present there as well, Gasly believes that it has become too complicated to move around and work properly.
The paddock is the area behind the garages where certain spare parts are stored, including the teams’ wheels and tires. The motorhomes are also present to accommodate the drivers, mechanics, and engineers for work, rest, or interviews.
But in addition to this world that is 100% dedicated to racing, all journalists and photographers have access to the paddock, as well as an increasing number of VIPs. Formula 1 is a business and teams tend to invite more and more people to the paddock. It is a way to monetize their presence in Formula 1 for certain brands and, of course, to meet the drivers and take photographs.
Pierre Gasly has been able to observe that the environment present in the paddock, especially in Monza, but also during the recent races, does not help to work peacefully.
« I love fans, and I always enjoy taking the time to stop for them. But it’s obviously our working environment. Sometimes, it’s a bit challenging to move around and make sure we’re on time for our commitments, because it’s minute by minute, and it’s clearly one of the busiest pitlanes. » he explains, referring to Monza.
Gasly explains that he even had to deal with fans who would sneak into Alpine’s hospitality in the paddock and knock on the door of his room, despite the prohibitions.
« It’s very pleasant, but sometimes there are even people knocking on the door inside the reception area, and we wonder how they managed to get there. So [people must] let us have the space we need to work properly. »
« I would say that there aren’t many other sports where fans can get so close to the athletes. But in many other sports, they just seem more respectful. They have to show [respect] more often. It’s as simple as that. » Gasly had already expressed this last season.
Access to the paddock is granted in exchange for Paddock Club tickets, which can sometimes amount to around €10,000 for the 3 days of a Grand Prix. It can also be offered by teams in exchange for sponsors who sign a contract with a team.
Managing and welcoming teams in hospitality is indeed a substantial part of the income generated by teams each season, just like merchandising or the revenue from broadcasting contracts.
