79 replies to this topic

[Hieronymus]

Following the recent experiences of a friend, I was wondering if it is still possible to collect autographs of drivers at F1 World Championship races.

To cut the story short, he and his sons were basically chased away at a recent Grand Prix when they dared to approach one of the drivers. Think neck team personnel told them bluntly to sod off, since they don’t have time for “nonsense”.

Well, well…is this the norm these days?? One hardly ever hear of personal contact between F1 drivers and fans. Some other championships make time, though, for drivers to sign autographs, ETC.

My question pertains to F1, so I am not really interested in other racing categories.

Since childhood, one always wanted to have the autograph of your favourite “Grand Prix” driver. We all know how accommodating the majority of them were on those days.

Where has the world gone wrong??

[D-Type]

After an experience like that I would write (not e-mail) the team and the main sponsors and ask them the simple question "Why are you in Formula 1?"

[chdphd]

They do sessions on Thursdays at some places. I got DC's at Hockenheim.

[E1pix]

That is truly ridiculous!

One big reason I fell in love with racing as a kid was for just that. I must have 200 autographs or more from the '70s and I cherish them even now at 50. Without that interaction, I might have moved on to another sport where I could meet my heroes.

The only bad experience I can recall is being snubbed by AJ Foyt at 14. I was dying to meet him since diapers (a few years earlier), asked him for an autograph, and he said, "Later!!!" I turned to my friend and asked, "Later.... WHEN?!" Took 4 more years....

I agree, send that letter!

[Hieronymus]

After an experience like that I would write (not e-mail) the team and the main sponsors and ask them the simple question "Why are you in Formula 1?"

I think they are too disappointed to go that route. They apparently "stumbled" upon the driver and some of his crew in an "open area". So, the folks were not occupied or anything.

My friend says that he approached one of the crew (strolling a little behind the group) and asked if it was possible to get a signature of the driver. This chap was pretty rude, which I find most surprising to say the least. My friend is really not "into autographs", but thought his sons would enjoy the opportunity.

[kayemod]

The only bad experience I can recall is being snubbed by AJ Foyt...

I've never been an autograph collector, just couldn't see the point somehow, but I have the dubious distinction of being one of what must be a very small number worldwide who actually refused an autograph from AJ Foyt when he offered it to them. He was visiting Lotus, being shown around by Peter Warr. Peter and I were on nodding terms, as we passed he introduced AJ to me. I was holding a clipboard with a few EIs (Lotus Engineering Instruction memos) on it. AJ grabbed my hand in a bone-crushing grip, uttered the never to be forgotten words, "Hi Rob! Glad to have you meet me!", nodded to the papers I held and asked if I'd like his autograph. Since I was supposed to be working, I declined politely and moved away, AJ was being hurried along in the opposite direction. The top sheet on my clipboard had originated from Chapman himself, and was signed with his customary 'ACBC'. If I'd stifled my British reserve and got Foyt's signature alongside that, I might have got a few £££, or even $$$ for it on eBay, always assuming I'd held onto it that long. I sometimes wondered if AJ tells his side of this same story to his friends & acquaintances, "Hey! There was this tall Limey guy once at Lotus England..."

[Alan Cox]

.
My friend says that he approached one of the crew (strolling a little behind the group) and asked if it was possible to get a signature of the driver.

I think that sports stars/personalities have, for some time now, cottoned on to the fact that dealers now sell signed photos/artifacts for real money and, understandably, they feel that they have a saleable commodity to offer so why should it be the dealer who makes a buck, and not them?
e.g. Alonso http://www.grandprix...gned-photo.html
Webber http://www.grandprix...gned-print.html
Even Sir Stirling (who has never been know to refuse an autograph), commands a reasonable sum in the retail market.

[David McKinney]

I occasionally pause at various locales in West Sussex where eff-one drivers are wont to congregate once or twice a year. I am struck by the number of drivers who seem happy to sign several times for one person, and also for those who are patently not followers of the sport, but whose "cherished" autograph will no doubt be on ebay within hours

[Giraffe]

I occasionally pause at various locales in West Sussex where eff-one drivers are wont to congregate once or twice a year. I am struck by the number of drivers who seem happy to sign several times for one person, and also for those who are patently not followers of the sport, but whose "cherished" autograph will no doubt be on ebay within hours

I think to some extent the drivers are under duress to keep the punters happy at Goodwood, and it would create a difficult situation were they to pick and choose. Mind you, I've seen drivers confronted with sheaths of photos at other venues and merrily sign there way through them.
There are a couple of chaps who you see absolutely everywhere, and one of them appeared at the GP3 testing at Silverstone (a strange but pleasant fellow with a partner & two daughters who always appear to be in fancy dress to me) with a file for Derek Daly to wade through (& pick out the strays like Kevin Cogan in the Jaguar & not Derek!)

[chdphd]

Michael Schumacher is selective about what he signs these days:

[E1pix]

I have the dubious distinction of being one of what must be a very small number worldwide who actually refused an autograph from AJ Foyt when he offered it to them.

That's hilarious, you didn't want one, I couldn't buy one! HA!

Yes.... that's probably exactly how the story gets told in Texas now!

Have to admit, despite all that.... I still love the guy, one of a kind. Plus he's a bit like my late Dad-in-Law.

[Giraffe]

That's hilarious, you didn't want one, I couldn't buy one! HA!

Plus he's a bit like my late Dad-in-Law.

....with one distinct difference....... IIRC, Colin Bennett has an interesting story to tell of how he 'borrowed' an engine off AJ once..............

[E1pix]

....with one distinct difference....... IIRC, Colin Bennett has an interesting story to tell of how he 'borrowed' an engine off AJ once..............

It wasn't sabotaged with rattlesnakes?

[cooper997]

Even Sir Stirling (who has never been know to refuse an autograph), commands a reasonable sum in the retail market.

Sir Stirling wouldn't sign my 1950 MRP booklet, 'The Cooper Story' at Motorclassica, at the Exhibition Buildings here in Melbourne last year. I'd queued up with said booklet, got right to him and placed it in front of him. It got his attention, because he looked up at me and said, "Did you buy this here?" Given there was no literature dealers at the event and I'd procured it at Goodwood FoS in 1997 it was a bit hard to lie. So I just said, "No, are you only signing items purchased here?" Turns out the organiser had placed this situation on him. So the booklet remains Moss-less autograph-wise, even though he's on the cover.

At least the late great, John Cooper didn't have this policy placed on him, when he signed it for me...

Stephen

[brucemoxon]

Only F1 autograph I have is Sir Jack Brabham's and that was at an organised event (book launch). There aren't many I'd bother with of the current crop - they're all a bit disposable these days.

Some drivers seem pretty precious about signing stuff, in my experience, while others are always obliging. Peter Brock always made time to sign anything and everything, with the deliberate intention of devaluing things people got signed just to sell. Of course, when he died, that ruined his plan.

I'd worry about the old days' method of sending off a picture to get signed, too - far too easy to forge a signature. Or am I a cynic?

But then, I think approaching famous people in the street or restaurants is a bit poor - they deserve some privacy too, right?



Bruce Moxon

[JacnGille]

I have a little over two dozen F1 driver sigs, a dozen of them being World Champs. Only, I got most of um before they made it to F1.

Edited by JacnGille, 28 April 2011 - 00:52.

[E1pix]

I got most of um before they made it to F1.

That's a great way to do it.... and might be the thing to do in the current era.

My earliest F1 driver sig is probably Sir Jackie. For me, still, it's mesmerizing to meet these guys!

The last I tried at an F1 race was in 2001, got Jarno, Jenson, Fernando, and Enrique Bernoldi, and it's still the same honor as when I was 8.

[brucemoxon]

That's a great way to do it.... and might be the thing to do in the current era.

My earliest F1 driver sig is probably Sir Jackie. For me, still, it's mesmerizing to meet these guys!

The last I tried at an F1 race was in 2001, got Jarno, Jenson, Fernando, and Enrique Bernoldi, and it's still the same honor as when I was 8.

Some drivers are absolutely fantastic about it. Some are less so. Some give you a few moments, maybe even talk about what you're getting signed (NASCAR driver Tony Stewart was like that). Some carry on as though it's the biggest hardship of their life.

Oh, I forgot one - I got Roberto Moreno's after he lapped the field to win the Australian Grand Prix in 1981. 'Get used to this Roberto' said one of the folk in his caravan! He was quite surprised at the number of people who wanted to congratulate him. He'd only beaten Piquet, Jones, Laffite, Geoff Brabham in very similar cars!

But yes - getting them on the way up - a great idea!



Bruce Moxon

[Catalina Park]

I wonder if any of the kids that I gave autographs to still treasure them?

[Giraffe]

Some carry on as though it's the biggest hardship of their life.

Bet they'd be worried if the requests suddenly stopped!

I only keep autographs which I have collected myself and for the most part from people that I have actually witnessed race in period. That way they actually have some significance. I have 2 books which I try to get persons mentioned in them to sign, David Gordon's Chevron book and Derek Lawson's Formula 5000 tome, but other than that I really can't think of anyone (living) that I haven't got and would like. With the exception of Bernie, I wouldn't really be bothered with anyone current (but then Bernie isn't really current, is he?)

PS I've never had the 'Faldo' treatment from a racing driver though, I'm pleased to report!

Edited by Giraffe, 28 April 2011 - 06:42.

[Stephen W]

Even Sir Stirling (who has never been know to refuse an autograph), commands a reasonable sum in the retail market.

It took me half a dozen attempts to get Stirling Moss as he was then to sign my autograph book. When he finally condescended to sign he was surprised at whose autograph was on the page I asked him to sign - DSJ.

I have a little over two dozen F1 driver sigs, a dozen of them being World Champs. Only, I got most of um before they made it to F1.

I got most of my later autographs whilst drivers were in F3 & F2. The last current F1 driver i got to sign was Damon Hill whose autograph shares the page with Graham's.

If the originator's friend is going to write why not do so to the driver's sponsors as opposed to the team he drives for?

[DogEarred]

I only ever collected 4 autographs - from Brands Hatch in 1968 or 69. They were Graham Hill, Jack Brabham, Jackie Oliver & Bruce McLaren.
I only had a red pen with me that day & McLaren hurridly signed over a red area on the programme cover!
I knew it was there but none of my mates believed me.....

Not quite autographs, but I remember in the 70's at a pathetic little meeting at Brands; a reporter from the local newspaper coming round taking a photo of every driver & taking some of their details - even the hopeless ones in the minor races. Apparently he was creating a file just in case anybody got killed. Very enterprising - perhaps he's graduated to be an ambulance chasing lawyer now...

Edited by DogEarred, 28 April 2011 - 07:40.

[E1pix]

If the originator's friend is going to write why not do so to the driver's sponsors as opposed to the team he drives for?

That's the ticket!

I buy from companies that support racing, always have.... and point that out in every PR material I write as well.

The opposite effect is worth pointing out to a sponsor.

[jj2728]

Autograph hunting then:


That's me in the red jacket pen and pad in hand having just gotten Denny Hulme's autograph in the Kendall Garage at the '67 USGP. My younger brothers are next to me followed by my mom wearing the white headscarf. Between us we managed to nick the entire grid.

[E1pix]

Lovely memory, fantastic!

Your smile says it all.... bet it never quite went away.

[Hieronymus]

In my first post I mentioned that my question refers to F1 in particular, since it is still regarded as the pinnacle of motorsport (I think??). Those of you that have been to Le Mans, though, will agree that it is indeed an autograph collectors dream. A few years ago I was just amazed how approachable all the drivers were at the scrutineering session in town. Well, there you have the whole spectrum of fans gathering...children, grandmothers, etc. All too happy to mingle with drivers.

The problem with F1, from what I read here, is again MONEY. Money to enter, money to eat, money if you wish to use the latrine, money if you want an autograph. One HUGE rip-off and therefore an unfriendly place you rather avoid...unless you are a VIP or a friend of Bernie.

[E1pix]

Apologies if I went OT with the AJ stuff.

[Hieronymus]

Apologies if I went OT with the AJ stuff.

No problem, it is most interesting. The reason why I referred to F1 is mentioned in my previous post. Surely, I would like to hear what the current situation is at other international racing categories...and surely also any experiences of days gone by.

I recall that Denis Jenkinson wrote an article on his autograph experiences. This was published in MOTOR SPORT several years ago, but to find it amongst my stock are like looking for a needle in a haystack.

[E1pix]

[RJE]

Back in the early 60s I was setting up a stand before the opening of old style Racing Car Show and during a few spare minutes took a walk round to look at some of the other exhibitors offerings. On the stand of a well known seller of racing accessories, string back gloves, steering wheels etc. Graham Hill was sitting at a small table busy signing photographes for the vendor to sell. After working his way through several dozen of the portraits the afore mentioned seller wandered over from his own setting up work and said to Hill "Graham while you're at it run off a few Stirling will you". Which Graham promptly did, to much laughter from the few people around. I have had worries about signed photographs for sale ever since.

[Marticelli]

I never was a great motorsport autograph hunter, but during the ten years I worked in the space industry, whenever I was due to meet an astronaut or cosmonaut, I tried to have my copy of Buzz Aldrin's book 'Men from Earth' with me so they could sign it for me. I consequently collected some valuable autographs. In 2003 Buzz Alldrin was guest speaker at the centenary celebrations for the Institute of Directors held at the Albert Hall. I tried to arrange to meet him to get his signature finally in my copy of his book, but the best that could be arranged was to have it signed by him in my absence.

When the book was returned, signed, I checked it out against published versions to see if it really was his (not Graham Hill's!!) and there was no doubt it was. However, most of the other astronauts that signed my book also added the missions they flew, but Buzz modestly only put 'Buzz Aldrin APOLLO XI', failing to mention his flight on the last Gemini mission 12 with Jim Lovell, during which he space walked for over 5 hours!

My best ever encounter was with six times astronaut John Young (2 x Gemini, 2 x Apollo and 2 x Shuttle). He NEVER signs autographs so I didn't bother trying, but I did get to exchange insignia, pinning my own gold BNSC badge on his lapel and he gave me his NASA 'Meatball', but I got a picture of us right after the exchange which is better by far than an autograph. To chat with him one to one about driving the Lunar Rover over 16 miles with Charlie Duke on the Descartes Highlands of the Moon was truly out of this world (no pun intended!!)


Marticelli

[JacnGille]

I think your Buzz Aldrin trumps all our Jackie Stewarts and Emerson Fittipadis and ...

[Lemnpiper]

Hi Folks,


Here's another quick tip for autograph seekers.

If you here a celebrity is coming to town (and they have written a book) swing by you local Goodwill or used bookstore a nd se if you can procure a copy of said tome for the guest to autograph. I have noticed if you have the celebrity's book they autograph getting is easier ( be sure to remove all eveidence of it coming from the 2nd hand bookstore if possible0

I learned this lession the hard way when former President Bill Clinton did a local campaign stop and signed a at least 50 autographs. Not until i headed home did i stop to think about goin by to the/local Goodwill store to see if they had his autobiography , which they did for a mere $2.50. Still kicking myself for not planning ahead that day.


BTW when getting the autographs of F1 drivers is it considered ok if you get said autographs when they race in other series? Or is that cheating.





Paul

[JacnGille]

It's only cheating if you obtained the autograph at gunpoint.

[Paul Rochdale]

What is interesting is the style of the signature. My Fangio and Stewart signatures are beautifully written with a fountain pen whilst my Hakinnen resembles a ball of wool, utterly unrecognisable. Present day footballers, and GP drivers for all I know, often scribble away with no intention of trying to write properly.

When I started collecting autographs, I concentrated on F1 World Champions and in many cases obtained them AFTER their careers had come to an end. By searching in Who's Who and on the Net, I managed to discover addresses for many of my heroes and have since assembled a modest collection of around 17 World Champions.

I also now collect famous motorcycle racers from the 60s with Hailwood's being my favourite and Barry Sheene in an early photo wearing a pudding basin astride a Bultaco. He expressed his surprise at seeing that again after so many years.

One disappointment was from Damon Hill. A year after I had sent him a photo, it was returned with a pre-printed photo and mass produced letter saying he was too busy to sign.

Goodwood is of course the mecca for collectors although I hate to see the dealers with their piles of photos/books/etc at the ready.

Some years ago I also began to collect autographs of the 1966 England World Cup side and now have nine out of the eleven.

[alfredaustria]

Following the recent experiences of a friend, I was wondering if it is still possible to collect autographs of drivers at F1 World Championship races.

To cut the story short, he and his sons were basically chased away at a recent Grand Prix when they dared to approach one of the drivers. Think neck team personnel told them bluntly to sod off, since they don’t have time for “nonsense”.

Well, well…is this the norm these days?? One hardly ever hear of personal contact between F1 drivers and fans. Some other championships make time, though, for drivers to sign autographs, ETC.

My question pertains to F1, so I am not really interested in other racing categories.

Since childhood, one always wanted to have the autograph of your favourite “Grand Prix” driver. We all know how accommodating the majority of them were on those days.

Where has the world gone wrong??

Hi Hieronymus
I am collecting autographs mainly of F1-drivers since 1965. My first autograph I got from Jochen Rindt personally when I met him at his excebition in Vienna 1965. In those days it was much more easier to meet actual F1-drivers.
Nowadays I am going to events like the Festival of Speed, Goodwood - as it is nearly impossible to get an autograph at a F1-race-meeting.
Moreover I try to get the autographs before the drivers are in F1 and "famous". For example I met Lewis Hamilton, Robert Kubica, Nico Rosberg and Adrian Sutil at one F3-meeting in Brno - and they all signed with full signature and a nice dedication to me. Some years later in F1 they sign only L.H. and so on...
Or I try to geht autographs if they are retired and driving sportscars, touringcars and history-meeting

It was not always easy for me to collect autographs, as I live in Austria, and we had not always a Grand Prix or even an GP-driver.
So excuse my bad English. I hope I could help you with your original question.
Best wishes from Vienna - Alfred

[indybail]

God bless Jo Siffert. When I was a kid my Dad would take me to races, buy me paddock passes and then turn me loose (try doing that today!). At the 1971 Mid Ohio Can-Am race I found myself between Jackie Stewart and the Carl Haas motor home. As he neared the motor home (there was no one else around), I held out my race program and a pen. He walked right on by. I was crushed.

I turned around and started to shuffle off when I spied Jo Siffert talking to a another driver (Milt Minter) and started that way. As Minter departed, Mr. Siffert looked over and saw me coming. To my surprise, he waited for me. He simply smiled, signed my program and then thanked me. What class.

He did not have much time left after that day but he managed to thrill me one more time by winning the Austrian Grand Prix a few weeks later.

Edited by indybail, 04 May 2011 - 12:56.

[kayemod]

God bless Jo Siffert. When I was a kid my Dad would take me to races, buy me paddock passes and then turn me loose (try doing that today!). At the 1971 Mid Ohio Can-Am race I found myself between Jackie Stewart and the Carl Haas motor home. As he neared the motor home (there was no one else around), I held out my race program and a pen. He walked right on by. I was crushed.

I'm sure all drivers have good days and bad days, and I'm sure TNFs can recount positive and negative recollections of almost all of them. Being amenable to fans isn't their main reason for being at a race, and I'm sure if you'd been trying to tame a Lola T260 that day, you might have been a bit pre-occupied, and give the guy his due, he did win the race that weekend. I met quite a lot of drivers in the 70s & 80s, and to be fair to Jackie Stewart, I found him to be one of the nicest of the lot, though I did meet most of them in the course of my work, not when they had other things on their mind at race weekends. Never having been interested in autographs, I never asked for any, and the only one I was offered, AJ Foyt as described earlier, I politely declined. The only driver I recall who I wouldn't have dared ask though was Didier Pironi, on the two or three occasions I was in his presence, he was snappy, surly and miserable with everyone he met, not too popular in the racing business I was told, but maybe even he had some good days, I wonder if anyone here ever managed to get an autograph, or even a smile, out of him?

[Eric Dunsdon]

I'm sure all drivers have good days and bad days, and I'm sure TNFs can recount positive and negative recollections of almost all of them. Being amenable to fans isn't their main reason for being at a race, and I'm sure if you'd been trying to tame a Lola T260 that day, you might have been a bit pre-occupied, and give the guy his due, he did win the race that weekend. I met quite a lot of drivers in the 70s & 80s, and to be fair to Jackie Stewart, I found him to be one of the nicest of the lot, though I did meet most of them in the course of my work, not when they had other things on their mind at race weekends. Never having been interested in autographs, I never asked for any, and the only one I was offered, AJ Foyt as described earlier, I politely declined. The only driver I recall who I wouldn't have dared ask though was Didier Pironi, on the two or three occasions I was in his presence, he was snappy, surly and miserable with everyone he met, not too popular in the racing business I was told, but maybe even he had some good days, I wonder if anyone here ever managed to get an autograph, or even a smile, out of him?

I once took a couple of snaps of Didier during Silverstone tyre tests with the Ferrari Turbo. He seemed quite pleasant and had an almost cherubic smile. Seemed okay to me anyway .

[PCC]

I met quite a lot of drivers in the 70s & 80s, and to be fair to Jackie Stewart, I found him to be one of the nicest of the lot.

I found much the same, although I met him simply as a young boy searching for autographs. JYS was not chatty in the way that, say, Bruce McLaren and Mark Donohue were, but he was always courteous and forthcoming - and always multi-tasking!

[brucemoxon]

I found much the same, although I met him simply as a young boy searching for autographs. JYS was not chatty in the way that, say, Bruce McLaren and Mark Donohue were, but he was always courteous and forthcoming - and always multi-tasking!

Mark Donohue. Can someone say ONE bad thing about him, please? He seems like the man we all should want to be.



Bruce Moxon

[jj2728]

The only driver I recall who I wouldn't have dared ask though was Didier Pironi, on the two or three occasions I was in his presence, he was snappy, surly and miserable with everyone he met, not too popular in the racing business I was told, but maybe even he had some good days, I wonder if anyone here ever managed to get an autograph, or even a smile, out of him?

Actually, he did autograph my program in the paddock at Monaco in '82. He was very pleasant to me.

[JB Miltonian]

I have only two drivers autographs, Dan Gurney's and Mark Donohue's. Both of them were very cordial. I can remember attending "An Evening with Mark Donohue" at Washington State University in Pullman, in 1970. He couldn't have been nicer, told loads of wonderful stories, I wish I'd had a tape recorder with me.

[MCS]

What is interesting is the style of the signature. My Fangio and Stewart signatures are beautifully written with a fountain pen whilst my Hakinnen resembles a ball of wool, utterly unrecognisable. Present day footballers, and GP drivers for all I know, often scribble away with no intention of trying to write properly.

When I started collecting autographs, I concentrated on F1 World Champions and in many cases obtained them AFTER their careers had come to an end. By searching in Who's Who and on the Net, I managed to discover addresses for many of my heroes and have since assembled a modest collection of around 17 World Champions.

I also now collect famous motorcycle racers from the 60s with Hailwood's being my favourite and Barry Sheene in an early photo wearing a pudding basin astride a Bultaco. He expressed his surprise at seeing that again after so many years.

One disappointment was from Damon Hill. A year after I had sent him a photo, it was returned with a pre-printed photo and mass produced letter saying he was too busy to sign.

Goodwood is of course the mecca for collectors although I hate to see the dealers with their piles of photos/books/etc at the ready.

Some years ago I also began to collect autographs of the 1966 England World Cup side and now have nine out of the eleven.

Well, firstly, what an excellent, thought-provoking post, Paul !

Intrigued by the 1966 World Cup line - who are you missing if you don't mind me asking. Moreover, wonder if anybody has the final twenty-two...?

[PCC]

Mark Donohue. Can someone say ONE bad thing about him, please? He seems like the man we all should want to be.
Bruce Moxon

Well, I once saw him in an obviously sulky mood, leaning on a garbage can in the Mosport paddock at the '73 Can-Am. Problem is, I don't have proof - as soon as he spotted a young boy approaching him, he snapped out of it and gave me a smile!



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

[E1pix]

Agreed, Mark Donohue was one great driver and person. I got his autograph many times and he was always nice and actually struck up conversations each and every time.

One of my best friends still beams when he describes Mark giving him a sandwich, and BSing with him for a long time when he was probably 8 (my friend, not Mark ).

"Captain Nice" is appropriate indeed. Thanks, Mark.

[JacnGille]

Somehow or another I managed to miss getting Mark's auto despite the several times I saw him race. Something I still kick myself for.

[speedman13]

Well, firstly, what an excellent, thought-provoking post, Paul !

Intrigued by the 1966 World Cup line - who are you missing if you don't mind me asking. Moreover, wonder if anybody has the final twenty-two...?

I went to the final in 1966 and have my programme signed by all the team plus about 30 other celebreties, but sadly none of the German team.

[alfredaustria]

Here is a scan of the autograph, I got from Mark Donohue, which I want to share with you. I got it dedicated to me (Alfred Raidl). This is one of my favorite autographs, although I got autographs from all F1-drivers (including Non-qualifiers) from the last 50 years.
Best wishes from Austria - Alfred



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

[wiwlakow]

Following the recent experiences of a friend, I was wondering if it is still possible to collect autographs of drivers at F1 World Championship races.

To cut the story short, he and his sons were basically chased away at a recent Grand Prix when they dared to approach one of the drivers. Think neck team personnel told them bluntly to sod off, since they don’t have time for “nonsense”.

Well, well…is this the norm these days?? One hardly ever hear of personal contact between F1 drivers and fans. Some other championships make time, though, for drivers to sign autographs, ETC.

My question pertains to F1, so I am not really interested in other racing categories.

Since childhood, one always wanted to have the autograph of your favourite “Grand Prix” driver. We all know how accommodating the majority of them were on those days.

Where has the world gone wrong??

Hello,

I am Wojtek and I am a young polish F1 autograph collector. I am only 15 now and I can say that now it is quite hard to get any autograph from F1 world. Of course you have to know, where you have to looking for. You can send 1 email to team and you will find the autograph-answer in your post-box in about 1 mounth. This is positive, but as I know, in 50s, 60s, 70s you could get the autograph easier at circuit. Tickects were cheeper, drivers had less fans, meetting any driver wasn't so hard like now.

Safety - it is probably the logic reason. You see - now drivers have a lot of bodyguards and they don't have a freedom. They can't do everything what they want like James Hunt in the past.

Now we have an internet and this is really really helpfull to get new contacts for drivers and to other collectors.

Now