Both Ferrari and Mercedes may receive a warning from the FIA for their drivers’ failure to comply with the strict COVID-19 protocol during the break between the two Austrian races. The FIA is expected to conduct an investigation on drivers Charles Leclerc and Valtteri Bottas.
If a warning is issued, it would be Ferrari’s second in the past two weeks. Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull management were caught breaking the protocol regarding masks and mingling between teams before the season opener on the weekend.
The FIA’s new Code of Conduct, introduced to protect drivers and teams from the COVID-19 pandemic, outlines strict protocols both during and outside of race weekends.
Both Leclerc and Bottas flew back to their homes in Monaco after the race on Sunday to spend some time at home before the next race this weekend. While the protocol does allow for drivers to return home after races, it does specify that drivers must only socialize with people within their regular “social bubble”.
Neither driver denied returning home. However, social media content revealed a photo in which Leclerc posed with a waiter, although the Ferrari driver insists he received two negative tests for COVID-19 during his two days away. Meanwhile, Mercedes issued a statement claiming that Bottas followed the protocol.
According to the information provided last week regarding the FIA’s strict COVID-19 protocol, breaches do not carry any sporting or financial penalties and multiple breaches will be permitted. However, habitual violators may be prohibited from attending F1 events covered under the protocol.
