In the thick of it

The Formula 1 paddock is in its own different world. Being in there and experiencing the atmosphere is just immense.
When you're in the grand stand and you're with the fans and you see the cars drive past, this buzz just takes over your body. Adrenaline is pumping and the sound of the engines can't help but make you smile.
The paddock feels untouchable.
It's a place where the drivers can relax from car to motorhome. The world's media and fans really doesn't seem to faze them.

This photo with Mark Webber was taken during testing in Barcelona, during the morning session. Mark was taking a short pitstop to the energy station. Loo break, I don't know but whatever he was doing he still took the time out to stop and have a photo with me.
If you're polite and respectful the drivers really appreciate that.

I met some extremely rude fans in the paddock in Barcelona. There's rude and there's rude. They obviously didn't know how to act around Formula 1 drivers, as they aren't your typical 'celebrity'. They were pushing around to get either an autograph, photograph or even a slight glimpse of a driver.

This photo is an example of just that. When Sebastian Vettel came out, the crowd of people seemed to multiply, which with being double World Champion, you'd expect that. So called 'fans' bombarded the Red Bull driver to get to him. Pushing people out of the way and even pushing Sebastian himself and he had to try and calm the crowd down by saying "Everyone, one at a time."
Strange man wanting to get in on my photo decided to push through everyone and even pushing Seb just to get next to him.
I felt really sorry for not only Sebastian Vettel but all of the drivers during testing last week in Barcelona. The fans were incredibly rude and disrespectful in the paddock, and they ruin it for everyone else. Drivers won't want to take the time to sign things or take photos with fans if they're going to be treated like this.

My top tip to fans when they meet drivers: Manners cost nothing. If you're polite the drivers will happily take their time with you. If you're rude and disrespectful then why should they make an effort with you?

Little video of me in the Formula 1 paddock. Outside of the Red Bull Racing energy station.