Australian GP Organizers Set the Record Straight for F1 After Novak Djokovic Drama

The Australian Grand Prix is all set to find its way back onto the racing calendar after two years of hide-and-seek amid the pandemic. However, the event organizers have listed out some mandatory rules which might restrict several F1 employees from taking part in the race weekend in Melbourne.

Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix chief, Andrew Westacott, opened up that there will be no medical exemption for non-vaccinated individuals who are looking to enter the paddock for the event. Meaning, it is mandatory that every individual must be fully vaccinated in order to earn the approval of entering the circuit.

What did the Australian GP chief say?

As reported by ABC News, Westacott opened up that both the FIA and the FIM have acknowledged the protocols set by the Grand Prix organizers.

“The rules are simple to get into the country and the rules are simple to operate in Formula One,” he said. “To come into the event, you’ll be 100 percent vaccinated and there won’t be an exemption sought for anyone from anyone.”

Premiering on @YouTube next Monday

A brand-new series about the #AusGP track modifications project #F1 pic.twitter.com/NxxaOAtI1A

— F1 Australian Grand Prix (@ausgrandprix) January 20, 2022

Furthermore, the Australian revealed that the establishment of these rules has nothing to do with the recent controversies that erupted at the Australian Open with Novak Djokovic.

“Our arrangements have been in place well before the recent goings-on at the Australian Open,” he said. “These rules are understood by Formula One, they’re understood by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile), 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.”

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There’s zero tolerance for F1 drivers

Westacott also revealed that no driver will be allowed to take part in the 2022 Australian Grand Prix if they test positive ahead of the weekend.

Exciting things happening at Albert Park, new track surface looking pretty good #f1 #ausgp pic.twitter.com/CFuTAee8pD

— Joel Strickland (@joelstrickphoto) January 19, 2022

“There’s zero tolerance. Whether you’re Lewis Hamilton or Valentino Rossi in MotoGP. If you test positive, you don’t race that weekend,” he said. He also clarified that nothing would stop the event from going ahead this time around. “I’ll go on record and say zero chance of cancellation,” the Australian GP chief concluded.

Overall, after two years of absence, is Albert Park ready to deliver an exemplary racing event for the Formula One fans this year? We’ll know in time.

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