Melbourne Formula 1 Grand Prix to proceed for vaccinated participants

Organisers of Melbourne’s Formula One Grand Prix have confirmed there will be a “zero tolerance” approach on vaccine exemptions for participants, making it mandatory for all teams, drivers and officials to be vaccinated for the 10th April race.

Looking to avoid the saga that surrounded Novak Djokovic’s arrival in Australia to contest the Australian Open, Australian Grand Prix Corporation Chief Executive, Andrew Westacott today advised that, 80 days out from the event, the Victorian Government has given approval for the race to go ahead - but only for the fully vaccinated.

Westacott advised that all the drivers and 3,000 support staff - as well as spectators - must be double vaccinated to attend.

With the 2020 and 2021 editions of the Grand Prix having been cancelled, Westacott commented “the rules are simple to get into the country and the rules are simple to operate in Formula One.

“To come into the event you’ll be 100% vaccinated and there won’t be an exemption sought for anyone from anyone.”

Not anticipating a repeat of events that marked the lead-up to the Australian Open, Westacott noted “our arrangements have been in place well before the recent goings-on at the Australian Open.

“These rules are understood by Formula One, they’re understood by the FIA, they’re going to be written into the sporting regulations and I’m very confident that (it) is just going to be a rite of passage to come into the country.

“There’s zero tolerance. Whether you’re Lewis Hamilton or Valentino Rossi in MotoGP, if you test positive, you don’t race that weekend.”

News reports suggest that all F1 driver are fully vaccinated, with several leading drivers including Daniel Ricciardo having voiced their support for vaccines.

Since the last Grand Prix the Albert Park circuit has been resurfaced for the first time in its history.

The Australian Grand Prix is the third race of the F1 season and will run from 7th to 10th April.

Images: The Melbourne F1 Grand Prix (top, credit: The P.A. People) and Daniel Ricciardo (below, credit: YouFoodz).