Violence erupts at Mexican Grand Prix amidst fan clashes
Violence erupted at the Mexican Grand Prix on Saturday as rival Formula One fans clashed in shocking scenes beneath the grandstands ahead of qualifying, reports BritPanorama.
Videos circulating on social media showed a brutal brawl breaking out among spectators, with punches thrown, drinks hurled, and one man kicked repeatedly while lying on the ground. The fight took place at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City, just hours before McLaren’s Lando Norris went on to win Sunday’s race and seize the lead in the world championship standings.
Witnesses reported chaos in the stands as tensions between Ferrari and Red Bull supporters spiraled out of control. Footage depicted at least two men grappling violently — one wearing a Ferrari shirt and another donned in Red Bull colours — as other fans attempted to intervene.
A number of onlookers instead chose to film or jeer, with some appearing to encourage the fight. Drinks were tossed into the crowd and several bystanders became embroiled as the scuffle spread further.
In separate clips, a second altercation unfolded nearby, showing one spectator being kicked as another aimed blows at his head. Many fans were observed laughing and dancing while the brawl continued, creating an unsettling atmosphere during the event.
Security staff at the circuit have not yet commented on the incident, however, Formula One officials are anticipated to review the footage amid rising concerns about crowd behaviour at recent events. The off-track scenes added to an already volatile weekend in Mexico.
On the circuit, Norris claimed a dominant victory to ascend to the top of the F1 driver standings for the first time this season. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished second, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen taking third after a dramatic start that saw the pair briefly run off the track at Turn One. Norris’s team-mate Oscar Piastri, who entered the weekend as championship leader, slipped to fifth after struggling for pace in the closing stages.
The win marked a significant statement from Norris, who maintained composure amid the noise and chaos surrounding one of the sport’s most passionate venues. Earlier in the race, Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson experienced a terrifying near-miss with two marshals who ran across the track during a yellow flag period.
Lawson expressed his shock over the incident, stating: “I could have f***ing killed them!” He further described the occurrence as “unacceptable,” highlighting the critical need for enhanced safety measures. The FIA has confirmed an investigation into the marshal incident, while race organisers are anticipated to address the fan violence that marred what should have been a celebratory weekend.
As the thrill of high-speed racing converges with tumultuous fan behaviour, this event serves as a reminder of the challenges facing motorsport’s fan engagement and safety measures in an ever-evolving landscape.
