Mexican fans' blind enthusiasm for F1 knew no limits

©TheCahierArchive

Formula 1 will always welcome a healthy dose of fervor and passion from its Mexican fans, but in 1970, the spectators' blind enthusiasm put them a little too close to the action.

In the wonderful shot from Bernard Cahier, as Ferrari's Clay Regazzoni lead's Tyrrell's Jackie Stewart, team mate Jacky Ickx and Matra's Jean-Pierre Beltoise, a massive chaotic crowd watches on just a few feet from the action.

The fans, rooting for local hero Pedro Rodriguez, had torn threw the fences and taken up position on the circuit's embankments, leading the organisers to ponder a cancellation of the event.

In the end, they dispatched Rodriguez and Stewart to plead with the crowd, a move that temporarily calmed everyone down and led a few fans to a retreat only for them to later return to the grass.

The race eventually started, and fortunately proceeded without any drama, at least for the spectators, for Stewart was forced to retire on lap 33 after hitting… a dog!

In the end, it was a Ferrari clean sweep, with Ickx leading home Regazzoni.

Because of the chaos, the Mexican Grand Prix was removed from the F1 schedule the following year. It would return 16 years later.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.