BRITISH drivers, staff and media are having to comply with incredibly strict quarantine measures at this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix – or face the threat of jail.
Formula 1 has been unable to secure an exemption for their workers heading to Budapest for the third race of the season – amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Hungarian officials have slapped UK entrants into the country with a strict set of rules that could have a large impact on the Grand Prix.
Reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton is set to arrive in the country on Thursday and will not be allowed outside for the entirety of his stay.
Brits are only allowed to visit their hotel room and their place of work.
When travelling between the two destinations, they must avoid public transport and drive themselves – without being allowed to stop.
If any of the 1,700 drivers, engineers, team staff or media from the UK venture out to buy a bottle of water, take some exercise or fill up with petrol, they face a huge fine.
Hungarian authorities have threatened a spell in jail or a €15,000 (£13,400) fine for breaches.
As he did in Austria, Hamilton will head straight to the circuit when he arrives in the country and pitch up in a luxury motorhome.
Fellow British racers George Russell and Lando Norris are likely to do as they and their teams did in Spielberg, and remain in their hotels when not at the track.
Facemasks and social distancing are all strictly enforced during race weekends in F1Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Podiums have been erected on tracks with remote controlled robots delivering trophiesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
F1 are maintaining ‘bubble’ protocols for the early months of the 2020 season where only a couple of designated people, typically their manager and physio, are allowed close contact with drivers.
One example of the altered race weekend is the use of temporary, socially-distanced podiums on the track with trophies delivered by robotic plinths.
So far, the plans have been a success with zero coronavirus cases emerging in Austria amid two fascinating races.
Of the Hungarian measures, Hamilton said: “It doesn’t affect me because I stay at the track, but there will be protocols in place for the team.
“They have been fantastic in terms of how they have managed their bubble during this time.
“I don’t know how their set-up will be and it is unfortunate that unlike us, they cannot stay at the track.
It is a challenge but these are challenging times and why we are taking it very seriously.”
Lewis Hamilton
“It is a challenge but these are challenging times and why we are taking it very seriously.”
McLaren youngster Norris added: “We have to be at the track or hotel but I am happy with room service everyday.
“I can watch Netflix and play Call of Duty but there will be limitations. I cannot go out for a cycle or a run.”
Inside the luxury RV motorhome of F1 Red Bull star Ricciardo at the Austrian Grand Prix
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
