This is a ‘competitive’ event where drivers walk from drop-off to paddock entrance each morning, and fans try to get autographs or selfies with the drivers.
This happens every morning Thursday-Sunday. The best day is Thursday (media day) where drivers are more relaxed but that also means fans are most competitive that day.
As a fan you should aim to arrive at 4am for serious attempts, but some get in line at midnight. You can enter from any gate, but gate 1 and gate 8 are popular. Once gates open, there is a full sprint to the area, over the overpass, through activations area.
It CAN be crush-heavy, so be prepared if you’re uncomfortable in those situations. However once you’re in your spot, most people are cooperative.