Method 1 is a harmful sport, however the risks can typically spill over into the true world – a lesson a former world champion discovered the exhausting approach forward of the Brazilian Grand Prix
Method 1 drivers are accustomed to terrifying experiences on the observe however hazard typically lies effectively past the confines of the circuit. In 2010, reigning world champion Jenson Button endured a chilling encounter with real-world hazard amid the turbulent streets of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Forward of the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos, the McLaren driver narrowly averted what seemed to be an tried theft or kidnapping by armed attackers. The scary occasion, which occurred solely hours after qualifying, underscored the extreme safety dangers that F1 groups face in one of many sport’s most notorious host cities.
Button was touring again to his resort in a bulletproof Mercedes B-Class when the assault practically came about. Accompanying him had been his father John, his physiotherapist Mikey Collier and his supervisor Richard Goddard.
Their automotive grew to become caught in site visitors – a standard hazard on Sao Paulo’s congested streets – and a routine drive abruptly become a battle for survival.
“We stopped on the site visitors lights, three rows again,” Button recalled. “Our driver, as all the time, stopped early, leaving area to the automotive in entrance. We regarded to the appropriate and noticed just a few guys gathering by the facet of the street, simply by the doorway to a constructing.
READ MORE: Oscar Piastri crashes at Brazilian GP as Lando Norris takes full benefit in F1 title duelREAD MORE: Max Verstappen’s dad Jos storms out of Crimson Bull storage after Brazilian GP humiliation
“They regarded a bit suspect however we did not suppose something of it. Then Richard seen that one of many guys had a baton hanging down from his arm and I seen that one was enjoying with one thing in his trousers, and it was a gun.”
Issues escalated immediately. Because the passengers realised what was taking place, the would-be attackers caught their look and rushed towards the car. Thankfully, Button’s alert driver responded with unimaginable reflexes.
Button added: “He angled the automotive and floored it – it did not seem like there was sufficient area to get via. He went between six automobiles and rammed each single automotive simply to get previous. We received via in the long run, however trying behind there have been two guys with handguns – fairly a easy trying handgun – and one man with a machine gun.”
The strengthened Mercedes proved invaluable, taking the blows because it ploughed via the gridlocked street. “We had been in a B-class Merc, which isn’t the most important of automobiles, nevertheless it’s bulletproof, so it is fairly heavy and it is good at getting via site visitors like that,” stated Button, who steered that dangerous luck, slightly than premeditation, performed the most important half within the encounter.
“We stopped proper exterior the doorway so I believe we had been extra unfortunate than the rest. I had this [McLaren team top] on however the home windows are blacked out so that you could not see something.
“You hear about it taking place through the years however you do not know the way it feels till it occurs to you. It is a fairly scary state of affairs. You do not imagine it is taking place. It is fairly unusual.”
The occasion precipitated widespread alarm throughout the F1 neighborhood over security in Brazil, a nation lengthy troubled by crime, notably round main sporting events. The Sao Paulo Grand Prix has earned a status for its safety points, prompting groups to depend on armoured autos, skilled chauffeurs and police escorts.
Rise up to 60% off Method 1 merch
Fanatics has slashed as much as 60% off Method 1 merch. Till Sunday, followers can discover reductions on merchandise from Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren, Crimson Bull and extra.
“From what I hear, a lot of the drivers have gotten police escorts into the circuits in addition to a bullet-proof automotive and a policeman as a driver,” Button stated. “It isn’t a really snug feeling.
“It is a horrible factor to occur. I really feel tremendous now. There’s quite a lot of consideration as a result of it is the primary time it has been a driver that is been held up. Hopefully it is going to present the hazards which might be down there and we’ll take extra care.”
Regardless of ongoing considerations, the Brazilian GP continues to be a key fixture on the F1 schedule. This yr’s race, going down on Sunday, sees Drivers’ Championship chief Lando Norris begin from pole place as he goals to edge nearer to his maiden world title.
In the meantime, his McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri and reigning champion Max Verstappen – trailing by 9 and 39 factors respectively – stay shut behind in pursuit.
