Video footage surfaced Saturday morning of Sebastian Vettel socializing with various Red Bull team members. Both parties have received a letter from the FIA, reminding them to follow the strict COVID-19 protocols that are in place.
Vettel was spotted chatting with Christian Horner and Helmut Marko in the paddock on Saturday and the footage was widely shared on social media. The trio was not wearing masks.
In an effort to keep everyone in the paddock safe as racing resumes during the difficult COVID-19 pandemic, the FIA introduced a strict Code of Conduct to the upcoming events. One of these protocols requires staff to wear face masks.
To help prevent the scale of an outbreak, in the unfortunate event that one would occur during a race weekend, team members are also supposed to avoid mingling with members of other teams.
Although breaking the Code of Conduct does not carry a financial or sporting penalty, habitual offenders will not be allowed to attend the upcoming events.
“No individual is forced to agree to comply with this COVID-19 Code, and no individual will be sanctioned by the FIA for failing to do so,” the FIA explained. “But any individual who does not agree to comply with this COVID-19 Code will not be granted access to and may not attend any Covered Event.”
