IMAGE:
There will be no trophies given on the podium this season. Photograph:
Charles Coates/Getty Images
Formula One drivers can
forget about podium celebrations this season under new rules to protect them
from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The pre-race drivers'
parade will also be scrapped, but the fans won't be there anyway, and there
will be no standing together for the national anthem or trophies handed over
directly by local dignitaries.
"The
practices we have had in the past just can’t be done," Formula One's
motorsport managing director Ross Brawn told the http://www.formula1.com website
on Friday.
"The podium procedure can’t happen, but we’re
looking at doing something on the grid after the race. One option would be to
line the cars up on the track and the drivers will stand in front of cars.
"We can’t present the
trophies, as you can’t have someone in close proximity presenting a trophy, but
we have worked it out, we have plans and procedures, we’re looking at how we
can present it on TV."
The delayed season is due
to start in Austria on July 5 behind closed doors.
The sport has yet to
publish a full calendar but said on Friday -- when the cancellation of races in
Azerbaijan, Singapore and Japan was announced -- that it hoped to put on 15-18
races.
Teams will be kept separate
from each other in 'bubbles' at the circuits, staying in isolation and with no
contact with the surrounding community.
"The drivers' parade
won’t happen as we can’t put 20 drivers on the back of a truck and take it
round the track," said Brawn.
"Instead we will
interview each one of them in front of the garage. There’s plenty of ways we
can engage without compromising health and safety.
"This is the new norm.
How long will this carry on? We don’t know, but this will be the new norm for
the rest of the year for sure."
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