Having uncontrolled areas for the drivers is absolutely careless. Fans are not capable of self-control and a mob around you can create intense anxiety for anyone. The Melbourne walk was great.
problem is some fans look at drivers as commodities and that they own them, or that somehow the drivers owe them all the time and this means that over the years the drivers have become more distanced from their fans, which is sad
Great video Kym, as usual. I’ve always found F1 testing in Barcelona was a great place to meet drivers. Paddock tickets were 60€ a day and the vibe was much more chilled with far far fewer fans. I got chatting to Johnny Herbert a couple years back and he invited me and my partner into the Red Bull motor home where we met and sat down with Pierre Gasly. It was truly a money can’t buy experience and can’t thank Johnny enough! Hopefully BCN testing returns one day!
Nice insight Kym. Perhaps F1 could make the walk a ‘rolling’ event, cycling through the calendar. Have, say, five a year at select venues; the next year it’s a different set; so on. The drivers wouldn’t get fatigued if they only have to run the gauntlet every couple months, and fans of every GP around the world would at least get a go at it every 4/5yrs.
Best time to meet drivers - Media day (Thursday). Got there about 2pm in the afternoon and was lucky to find a spot. Though there was decent crowd, it was not as bad as Friday, Sat or Sunday. Secured the spot at 2pm and did not move until 7.30 pm when the gates close. Managed to get meet most of the drivers as well as team principals. Still recovering! Agreed, there should be more respect given to the drivers when they walk the walk!
I've waited for drivers outside the paddock entrance twice (Abu Dhabi and Bahrain). I've been lucky each time as there were only about 40 fans each time waiting so it was very easy and there wasn't a big scramble. However what I didn't like when I was at Bahrain this year was when some fans were encroaching the barriers and putting their hands on the drivers. That just irritates the drivers and all you need to simply do is wait patiently in line and have your phone camera ready at the right time so it's easy not just for you but also for the drivers.
I think some sort of meet and greet should be at every race and be accessible to all fans. The amount of work that goes into paying for tickets, team wear, hotels, food and drink should be acknowledged. For the average fan, it is a significant investment. Still hoping for signed Carlos prints. 🙏🙂
I don’t think drivers should be compelled to pass through a gauntlet, but come up when they are willing….so i partially agree with you. Also, some venues just aren’t safe for this, sad to say. It should be available but a back entrance into the paddock should be accessible for them as well.
I’m sure a lot of people appreciate your signed prints Kym! Many fans will never get to go to a race in their lifetime and those who do still don’t stand a high chance of meeting a driver. I’m sure people appreciate you giving fans the opportunity to own an exclusive piece of memorabilia that is very hard to come buy! I commented on the last video wondering if you could collaborate with Max for some signed prints. He’s my favourite driver and I probably will never get to meet him and I would love his autograph. I know it’s probably harder to collaborate with the more popular drivers such as Max, Charles, Lewis and Lando but it would be amazing if you could. Keep up the great videos, it’s keeping me occupied during this boring spring break😂
my experience at the melbourne walk was quite chaotic... you get crushed from the amount of people trying to get to the front. I was squashed multiple times, sometimes to the point I couldn't even reach for my phone because of the crush of people trying to get into the front from the back and the sides. Its a good idea and its great for if you want to get signatures etc, however it is becoming a bit dangerous because of the increased amounts of people. I ran in from gate one at abut 8:32 and only got a second/third row position... however I did manage to get most signatures (e.g. daniel, lewis, carlos, jenson) so I think it is a good idea but more security measures need to be put in place because it doesn't accommodate for the increased amounts of fans
Melbourne walk was the best experience ever especially as I’ve been a fan for a long time! But if u want to get to the front you need to get to the gates atleast an hour before and be prepared to run!
As a bit of information for your Indianapolis trip, there will be a driver autograph session in the infield on Friday afternoon. It’s a great opportunity to photograph fans interacting with drivers, and it’s a very popular event that is open to all fans in attendance. Drivers are split between two groups and fans choose which group to go through. IndyCar also mandates that all drivers attend the session, and as a fan who has been to those sessions, the novelty has worn off and I feel the same way for the drivers
US Grand Prix Watkins Glen 1966. The team garages were in a long building, along side am internal to the garage fenced off walkway where we could go, just plain race ticket holders. There was no direct interplay with the drivers that I saw but they were there with their cars, (and girlfriends!) I remember taking a picture of Ronnie Petersen and his gal. And others. In 1973, I sadly photographed the crated wreck of Francois Cevert's car standing against the back wall of their garage. His mentor Jackie Stewart retired that day. I knew something was wrong when I saw Jean Pier Beltois, Francois's cousin, driving slowly around the bell curve at the end of the straight, helmet off, crying. Francois hit the Armco barrier somewhere coming up onto the straight. Anyway, this garage with patron passage was perfect, I thought, for close up and personal, yet inherently controlled views.
If there are going to be opportunity for fans to be near drivers, there has to be security. This includes in the paddock. Full stop. As for the outside of thee race stuff….. The absolute craziness of things like waiting outside a team hotel, approaching them outside of race spaces (do not bother someone while eating, working out at the hotel gym, out jogging, etc.) drivers and team staff are people and deserve the same respect as anyone else. Keep your hands off, be polite and stop obsessing. It’s unhealthy for you and those you obsess over
I was at the Melbourne walk. It's an opportunity for about 50 fans to get close and another 950 to be aware that there is a driver on the other side of the fence where all the phones are pointing.
I think you'd have to be one of those mental fans to think that f1 super fans and super fans in general get too close. There is a clip of Justin Beiber with fans blocking the door to his house, he has to get a security guard to take him into this door. He asks the fans to respect that this is his home and it's his time to relax and can they not wait and block his door. The girl waiting for him was nodding the entire time, then as soon as he finished she said "OMG CAN I GET A HUG?" This type of behavious isn't on, show respect be the person a f1 driver or a trolley pusher at the local supermarket.
I think the drivers have a lot to do with media nowadays that maybe the Melbourne walk should be removed from the grand prix to be honest... the ammount of disrespect I saw towards the drivers was something else... People should not be allowed this close to the drivers... it was very concerning to be honest...
Charles said he is not opening his door to any fans anymore now that his home address has been leaked online. I wonder if he gives his pizza delivery guy a selfie, though?
@@KymIllman we are organising the week down in Melbourne for my nephew for his 18th and May I ask how do I purchase such tickets like the park passes or grid walks etc ..Thankyou
@@joaofilho1416 Not really, because while having fans is probably really helpful, it isn’t necessary for F1 drivers to be successful. I don’t feel like they owe their fans something If I would be in their position I would definitely try doing some fan service but people are never satisfied and it’s impossible to please everyone
Some lovin' - yes, that does come with the fame. HOWEVER! Being touched, swarmed, assaulted (kissing someone without consent would be considered s-assault, and I've seen that happen) or having your residence sought out should NOT be part of the deal.
Having uncontrolled areas for the drivers is absolutely careless. Fans are not capable of self-control and a mob around you can create intense anxiety for anyone. The Melbourne walk was great.
Boo hoo
@volcansv9395 What this person is saying is that by having a controlled environment, you discourage crazy behavior
The Americans can barely walk into a school without shooting someone, they can't be trusted.
problem is some fans look at drivers as commodities and that they own them, or that somehow the drivers owe them all the time
and this means that over the years the drivers have become more distanced from their fans, which is sad
My experience at the Melbourne Walk was so awesome! And I don’t think that’s a good idea, because of safety reasons for the drivers.
Great video Kym, as usual. I’ve always found F1 testing in Barcelona was a great place to meet drivers. Paddock tickets were 60€ a day and the vibe was much more chilled with far far fewer fans. I got chatting to Johnny Herbert a couple years back and he invited me and my partner into the Red Bull motor home where we met and sat down with Pierre Gasly. It was truly a money can’t buy experience and can’t thank Johnny enough! Hopefully BCN testing returns one day!
I think it should stay exclusive to a few tracks like Australia and Austria, we'd just get total chaos for fans and drivers
Nice insight Kym.
Perhaps F1 could make the walk a ‘rolling’ event, cycling through the calendar. Have, say, five a year at select venues; the next year it’s a different set; so on.
The drivers wouldn’t get fatigued if they only have to run the gauntlet every couple months, and fans of every GP around the world would at least get a go at it every 4/5yrs.
Great idea
Best time to meet drivers - Media day (Thursday). Got there about 2pm in the afternoon and was lucky to find a spot. Though there was decent crowd, it was not as bad as Friday, Sat or Sunday. Secured the spot at 2pm and did not move until 7.30 pm when the gates close. Managed to get meet most of the drivers as well as team principals. Still recovering! Agreed, there should be more respect given to the drivers when they walk the walk!
I've waited for drivers outside the paddock entrance twice (Abu Dhabi and Bahrain). I've been lucky each time as there were only about 40 fans each time waiting so it was very easy and there wasn't a big scramble. However what I didn't like when I was at Bahrain this year was when some fans were encroaching the barriers and putting their hands on the drivers. That just irritates the drivers and all you need to simply do is wait patiently in line and have your phone camera ready at the right time so it's easy not just for you but also for the drivers.
I think some sort of meet and greet should be at every race and be accessible to all fans. The amount of work that goes into paying for tickets, team wear, hotels, food and drink should be acknowledged. For the average fan, it is a significant investment.
Still hoping for signed Carlos prints. 🙏🙂
I don’t think drivers should be compelled to pass through a gauntlet, but come up when they are willing….so i partially agree with you. Also, some venues just aren’t safe for this, sad to say. It should be available but a back entrance into the paddock should be accessible for them as well.
I’m sure a lot of people appreciate your signed prints Kym! Many fans will never get to go to a race in their lifetime and those who do still don’t stand a high chance of meeting a driver. I’m sure people appreciate you giving fans the opportunity to own an exclusive piece of memorabilia that is very hard to come buy! I commented on the last video wondering if you could collaborate with Max for some signed prints. He’s my favourite driver and I probably will never get to meet him and I would love his autograph. I know it’s probably harder to collaborate with the more popular drivers such as Max, Charles, Lewis and Lando but it would be amazing if you could. Keep up the great videos, it’s keeping me occupied during this boring spring break😂
my experience at the melbourne walk was quite chaotic... you get crushed from the amount of people trying to get to the front. I was squashed multiple times, sometimes to the point I couldn't even reach for my phone because of the crush of people trying to get into the front from the back and the sides. Its a good idea and its great for if you want to get signatures etc, however it is becoming a bit dangerous because of the increased amounts of people. I ran in from gate one at abut 8:32 and only got a second/third row position... however I did manage to get most signatures (e.g. daniel, lewis, carlos, jenson) so I think it is a good idea but more security measures need to be put in place because it doesn't accommodate for the increased amounts of fans
I have no doubt that the fans would want a Melbourne Walk at every race. Not so sure the drivers would.
Melbourne walk was the best experience ever especially as I’ve been a fan for a long time! But if u want to get to the front you need to get to the gates atleast an hour before and be prepared to run!
Toto is popular with the "discerning housewife." His response to that in Melbourne was hilarious. He was really confused.
As a bit of information for your Indianapolis trip, there will be a driver autograph session in the infield on Friday afternoon. It’s a great opportunity to photograph fans interacting with drivers, and it’s a very popular event that is open to all fans in attendance. Drivers are split between two groups and fans choose which group to go through. IndyCar also mandates that all drivers attend the session, and as a fan who has been to those sessions, the novelty has worn off and I feel the same way for the drivers
Noted.
US Grand Prix Watkins Glen 1966. The team garages were in a long building, along side am internal to the garage fenced off walkway where we could go, just plain race ticket holders. There was no direct interplay with the drivers that I saw but they were there with their cars, (and girlfriends!) I remember taking a picture of Ronnie Petersen and his gal. And others. In 1973, I sadly photographed the crated wreck of Francois Cevert's car standing against the back wall of their garage. His mentor Jackie Stewart retired that day. I knew something was wrong when I saw Jean Pier Beltois, Francois's cousin, driving slowly around the bell curve at the end of the straight, helmet off, crying. Francois hit the Armco barrier somewhere coming up onto the straight. Anyway, this garage with patron passage was perfect, I thought, for close up and personal, yet inherently controlled views.
Glad to see I made it into the video Kym! Was great seeing you, and I was even lucky enough to get Lewis's auto Sunday!
Good for you
If there are going to be opportunity for fans to be near drivers, there has to be security. This includes in the paddock. Full stop. As for the outside of thee race stuff….. The absolute craziness of things like waiting outside a team hotel, approaching them outside of race spaces (do not bother someone while eating, working out at the hotel gym, out jogging, etc.) drivers and team staff are people and deserve the same respect as anyone else. Keep your hands off, be polite and stop obsessing. It’s unhealthy for you and those you obsess over
I was at the Melbourne walk. It's an opportunity for about 50 fans to get close and another 950 to be aware that there is a driver on the other side of the fence where all the phones are pointing.
Do fans get closer at the Melbourne Walk or Charles Leclerc’s house?
Underrated comment
Hey Kym, I saw you on the Melbourne walk at around 8pm on the Friday. I yelled out to you but you probably didn't hear me. Recognized you immediately!
Thanks for sharing this, it was very good. Great points! In this day and age, the problem seems to be one thing-boundaries.
So true!
Wouldn't mind a Fréd Vasseur signing. He's been around long enough
Really love your content! Love from Lagos, Nigeria!
So glad!
Thanks for this. I love your behind the scenes videos.
More to come!
Zak Brown signed prints would be amazing
Do you ever sell signed prints from Max?
I would love that too.
Not yet. But we live in hope.
How about Daniel?? 😂😂😂
Monetizing, as in the US, is no surprise but is crass as hell. Melbourne is just classy.
The Toto Wolf signed picture is coming to me soon, Thanks Kym
Great news!
11:34 Maybe Daniel Ricciardo? If so, that would be ausi - ome! (Awsome :D)
Do a one with checo
We want print signage with binotto's signature
KYM so I’m curious where will The Formula one drivers will stay in Las Vegas for the Grand Prix in November???
It's a pretty cool feature in today's F1 world
I think you'd have to be one of those mental fans to think that f1 super fans and super fans in general get too close.
There is a clip of Justin Beiber with fans blocking the door to his house, he has to get a security guard to take him into this door. He asks the fans to respect that this is his home and it's his time to relax and can they not wait and block his door. The girl waiting for him was nodding the entire time, then as soon as he finished she said "OMG CAN I GET A HUG?"
This type of behavious isn't on, show respect be the person a f1 driver or a trolley pusher at the local supermarket.
I think the drivers have a lot to do with media nowadays that maybe the Melbourne walk should be removed from the grand prix to be honest... the ammount of disrespect I saw towards the drivers was something else... People should not be allowed this close to the drivers... it was very concerning to be honest...
There should be a Vegas walk.
Thank god WRC is not the same.
Charles said he is not opening his door to any fans anymore now that his home address has been leaked online. I wonder if he gives his pizza delivery guy a selfie, though?
Need a Lewis signed print
Do u need a ticket for the Melbourne walk or is it outside
Ticket required
@@KymIllman Thankyou and thanks for the video ..
@@KymIllman we are organising the week down in Melbourne for my nephew for his 18th and May I ask how do I purchase such tickets like the park passes or grid walks etc ..Thankyou
please ask james vowles PLEASEEE
Get Lando Norris and Zak brown next
If you’ve done Toto you have to Horner, that’s just the rule
Will he agree though?
Ask max for a foto and a signature
Is that your Easter bunny or a Hello Kitty statue?
In Mexico we love the F1 but mexicans cross the line in the personal space of the drivers.
Charles Charles Charles 🙏
If you become a public person and make millions of dollars out of it, you got to give the people some lovin, its just part of it.
A lot of people seem to think that, but what makes you think that?
@@Luke-tm6wb I don’t know, I was probably influenced by the people you just suggested, would you agree with them?
@@joaofilho1416 Not really, because while having fans is probably really helpful, it isn’t necessary for F1 drivers to be successful. I don’t feel like they owe their fans something
If I would be in their position I would definitely try doing some fan service but people are never satisfied and it’s impossible to please everyone
Some lovin' - yes, that does come with the fame.
HOWEVER! Being touched, swarmed, assaulted (kissing someone without consent would be considered s-assault, and I've seen that happen) or having your residence sought out should NOT be part of the deal.
Not at the expense of their safety. They are still human first and foremost.
Can you please give 7s a tour of the rock you've been under for the last 30 years..JK...the look on your face during the solo says it all!😃