Formula One teams will employ police escorts at this week’s Brazilian Grand Prix.

Staff from Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes team and Williams — both caught up in the multiple security incidents that overshadowed last year’s Sao Paulo race — as well as McLaren are among those who are set to rely on the support of local law enforcers travelling to and from the Interlagos circuit.

As well as using police protection it is understood that some of the teams will hire specialised drivers for the week, rather than regular staff driving as is the protocol for much of the season.