30 April 2023 , 12:44
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Photographers had to leap out of the way after entering the pit lane as Esteban Ocon stopped for new tyres in a dangerous "shambles" of organisation at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
The Baku race passed without much incident despite the pre-race hype, but there was a very scary situation right at the end. As preparations began for the podium ceremony, a group of people including some photographers spilled out onto the pit lane to get ready.
But Ocon was the only driver who was yet to pit, and waited for the very last lap after Alpine took a strategy gamble which did not pay off. But as reporter Ted Kravitz warned on Sky Sports, a handful of people were milling in the pit lane unaware of the Frenchman's imminent arrival.
As Ocon pulled into the pit lane, several people had to leap out of the way of the car to avoid a nasty accident. Fortunately, everyone managed to get out of the way and no-one was hurt, but it was still a terrifying situation.
"Oh what is this about! This is a shambles!" shouted Kravitz as Sky commentator David Croft agreed. The pit lane reporter added: "We could see it coming, Alpine could see it coming. What is going on down there?"
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Esteban Ocon's view as people scrambled to get out of his way in the pit lane (Sky Sports)Croft concluded: "That is an absolute shambles of organisation and somebody should have known." Mirror Sport has reached out to Formula 1 officials for comment on the incident.
The race itself contained little drama with the Red Bulls flying off the start line as expected. Pole-sitter Charles Leclerc was unable to prevent Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez from overtaking in the early stages, but did well to secure Ferrari's first podium of the season.
Verstappen took an early lead but was hampered by a safety car period just after he pitted. That meant Perez got to make a cheaper stop and came back out in front, and held off his team-mate to take a well-earned victory.
Fernando Alonso ended his podium streak but still finished fourth ahead of Carlos Sainz, who held off Lewis Hamilton despite late pressure. Lance Stroll finished ahead of George Russell who had a poor restart after the safety car, while Lando Norris and Yuki Tsunoda rounded off the points.