F1 teams will hire specialized drivers to get to and from the Interlagos Circuit.GETTY IMAGES
Formula 1 teams will employ police escorts at this week's Brazilian Grand Prix, according to the PA. Staff from Mercedes F1 and Williams F1 -- "both caught up in the multiple security incidents that overshadowed" last year's São Paulo race -- as well as McLaren F1, are among those that are "set to rely on the support of local law enforcers" traveling to and from the Interlagos circuit. As well as using police protection, some of the teams will hire specialized drivers for the week "rather than regular staff driving as is the protocol for much of the season." Red Bull F1 will also "liaise with a security contact" in São Paulo upon its arrival and departure at the circuit throughout the race weekend. F1's teams, the majority of which are based in the U.K., "have increased their own security" after Mercedes, Williams, tire supplier Pirelli and FIA "were all targeted by gun-wielding gangs last year." A meeting attended by F1 officials, São Paulo authorities and FIA VP José Abed was staged in Brazil in September to "identify the areas and operational hours at biggest risk." In response, the São Paulo State of Military Police committed to providing the teams with what one F1 source described as "strict" and "largely unprecedented" surveillance of the stretch of road that runs to and from the circuit and is "overlooked by nearby favelas" (PA, 11/7).
