Formula 1’s Mexican Grand Prix at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and passionate fans. Even before the roar of the engines fills the track, the paddock buzzes with activity, offering a unique glimpse into the personalities of the drivers and teams. On Thursday before the main event, photographer Kym Illman captured some of these candid moments, revealing the lighter side of the high-stakes world of F1.
The day started with a humorous encounter with Daniil Kvyat. After finishing a TV interview, Kvyat was met with a surprise – a cutout of his partner, Kelly Piquet, attached to Illman’s lens. Initially surprised, Kvyat quickly broke into laughter.
Daniil Kvyat reacts with surprise at seeing a cutout of Kelly Piquet on a photographer's lens during the Mexican Grand Prix paddock walk
In a playful gesture, Kvyat blew a kiss towards the photo of Piquet, a moment fortunately captured by fellow photographer Peter Fox. This lighthearted interaction showcases the relaxed atmosphere in the paddock before the intensity of the race weekend truly kicks in.
Formula 1 driver Daniil Kvyat laughing while looking at a photo cutout during Mexican Grand Prix paddock interviews
Photographer Peter Fox captures Daniil Kvyat blowing a kiss at the Mexican Grand Prix paddock
While Kimi Räikkönen remained stoic to the same lens trick, Renault driver Nico Hülkenberg engaged in some playful banter, sporting stylish sunglasses and a menacing, yet joking, glare.
Nico Hulkenberg poses with sunglasses in the Formula 1 paddock at the Mexican Grand Prix
Max Verstappen, accompanied by his press officer Victoria Lloyd, was also spotted in the bustling Mexico City paddock, pointing towards a friend, highlighting the social connections within the F1 circle.
Max Verstappen points while walking through the paddock at the Mexican Grand Prix in Mexico City
Adding to the day’s photographic fun, photographer Callo Albanese created polaroid photos, including one of Illman himself and another of Charles Leclerc and his crew. Leclerc visibly enjoyed the polaroid, happily posing with it before heading back to the garage.
Photographer Charles Leclerc holding a polaroid picture at the Mexican Grand Prix paddock
Charles Leclerc and Ferrari team members pose for a polaroid photograph at the Mexican Grand Prix
Close-up of Charles Leclerc smiling and holding a polaroid in the Formula 1 paddock during the Mexican Grand Prix
Charles Leclerc poses with a photographer's polaroid picture in the Formula One paddock in Mexico
Local favorite Sergio Pérez embraced the home crowd support, posing for photographers on a park bench, while behind the scenes, Franz Tost of Toro Rosso was captured looking characteristically stern as he entered his team’s hospitality suite.
Sergio Perez, the Mexican Formula 1 driver, poses for photos on a bench in the paddock during the Mexican Grand Prix
Franz Tost, Toro Rosso team principal, pictured in the paddock at the Mexican Grand Prix
Many drivers, including Pierre Gasly, took the opportunity to walk the track. Gasly was seen sharing a laugh with Josh Kruse, a Toro Rosso social media team member, highlighting the camaraderie within the team.
Pierre Gasly jokes with a Toro Rosso team member while walking the track at the Mexican Grand Prix
Despite a recent setback at the Japanese GP, Daniel Ricciardo remained cheerful, while young talents Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz took time to sign autographs for fans, even as rain began to fall. Norris sported a special McLaren cap with Mexican flag detail, a nod to the host country.
Daniel Ricciardo smiles in the paddock at the Formula One Mexican Grand Prix
Lando Norris signs autographs while wearing a special Mexican Grand Prix McLaren cap in the pit lane
Close-up of the Mexican flag detail on Lando Norris' McLaren cap at the Mexican Grand Prix
Carlos Sainz Jr. joins Lando Norris for an autograph session in the pit lane at the Mexican Grand Prix
Thursday in the paddock also provides a relaxed setting for team personnel to connect. Carina from Racing Point and Ruth from Alfa Romeo were seen catching up, and Sebastian Vettel was spotted in conversation after a press conference, emphasizing the social aspect of the F1 community.
Carina from Racing Point and Ruth from Alfa Romeo chat in the paddock at the Mexican Grand Prix
Sebastian Vettel in conversation after a press conference at the Mexican Grand Prix
The organizers of the Mexican Grand Prix received praise for the impressive paddock setup, including artwork in the media center and the faux streetscape, enhancing the overall experience of the event.
Artwork in the media center at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez for the Mexican Grand Prix
Finally, in a personal note, Illman congratulated his son Jayce on his high school graduation, adding a warm personal touch to his paddock diary from the Mexican Grand Prix.
Photographer Kym Illman with his wife Tonya and son Jayce on Jayce's high school graduation day
The Thursday paddock walk at the Mexican Grand Prix offered a fascinating peek behind the scenes, filled with humor, camaraderie, and a relaxed atmosphere before the racing action commenced. It’s these human moments that add another layer of appeal to the thrilling world of Formula 1. Don’t forget to check out the driver profile video featuring Charles Leclerc on the photographer’s YouTube channel for more exclusive content from the Mexican Grand Prix.
