Fans wait hours to meet F1 idols

Manama : Thousands of fans yesterday lived a dream as they got an opportunity to get an up-close one-hour autograph session with the F1 drivers from all of the 11 teams competing at this weekend’s Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir.

Scheduled to be taking place between 12:30pm and 1:30pm at Bahrain International Circuit’s Formula 1 Village vending area yesterday, it saw a great rush of eager fans gathering together, as queues started to take shape from 9am itself. 

The longest of lines formed at the Mercedes AMG and McLaren stations, showcasing the popularity of the teams and the racers. Other teams that had long numbers waiting were Sahara Force India, Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Ferrari.

“We are very excited to be here and get an autograph from Lewis Hamilton, who is one of the greatest names to have come out of the F1 podium,” shared Amanda, who had come with her family to catch a closer glimpse of the megastar at the Mercedes AMG point.

However, many fans were disappointed to miss out because of the sheer numbers, but word got out about the launch of a new Mercedes Benz model on Monday and that Hamilton and Nico Rosberg who will be available for about 10 minutes to sign more autographs following the announcement about the launch.

Ryan Fernandes, who was also in the queue since 11am, said, “The crowd and eagerness of F1 fans increases every year. Last year I managed to get Fernando Alonso’s autograph and this year, I am hoping to get Hamilton’s.”

However, Ryan, was one of the many disappointed fans who were left waiting in long queues in vain, as their favourite F1 drivers were present at the signing session for hardly 15 minutes, after which they walked out of the vending area.

Omar Ali, who had come from Oman, also shared his dismay with DT News. “I had been standing here since 10:30am and when the timing was from 12:30pm till 1:30pm, I was certain I would get a signature from my idol. However it was practically impossible for the F1 drivers to reach every person in the queue in such a short time span. I hope the organisers and teams would grant more time next year.”