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Unvaccinated F1 personnel unlikely to attend Australian GP

21 October 2021 at 17:24
Last update 21 October 2021 at 18:57
  • GPblog.com

On April 10, 2022 the Australian Grand Prix is scheduled, but chances are that only drivers and staff who are vaccinated against the coronavirus are welcome in Melbourne. The Prime Minister of Australia has announced that otherwise, athletes will not receive a visa to enter the country.

Over the last two years, the Australian GP was cancelled because of coronavirus problems, but next year the Albert Park circuit will be used again. All other international sporting events will also go ahead, but the government has one important condition in mind.

Warning for top sports

The Australian Open (tennis) will be held in January. "I don’t think an unvaccinated tennis player will get a visa to come into this country. And if they did get a visa, they would probably have to quarantine for a couple of weeks. I don’t think any other tennis player or golfer or Formula 1 driver will even get a visa to get here," reports Daniel Andrews.

The prime minister is still keeping a small tab on the situation. "If I'm wrong, I'm sure the federal government will let you know." However, Andrews believes that it is the duty of citizens to take the coronavirus vaccine. "You need to be vaccinated to keep yourself safe and to keep others safe", he said.

Van der Merwe not vaccinated

In Formula 1, all drivers are reportedly fully vaccinated. Of Alan van der Merwe, the driver of the medical car, it is widely known that he has not received a shot against Covid-19. The South African is currently infected with the virus and therefore missed the Turkish Grand Prix two weeks ago.