Formula One has released guidelines for the return of the motor sport and no podium ceremonies in F1 will take place this season.
The governing body of world motor sports FiA has released guidelines for motor sports to begin in 2020. The document has been titled “Guidelines: Mitigation Planning and Risk Analysis”.
In line with this, Formula has released its own set of guidelines, one of which includes the absence of podium celebrations. This will definitely come as a blow for drivers, fans, and broadcasters alike.
The tradition of podium celebrations has been going on for a long time in motor sports. This is what set it apart from other mainstream sports across the board.Apart from this, the pre-race drivers’ parade will also be scrapped, in line with the social distancing norms. National anthems will also not be played, nor will dignitaries hand over trophies to the top three finishing drivers, and the engineer of the winning team.
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These are some of the guidelines which has been announced by Ross Brawn, the Formula One motorsport managing director.
Speaking to the official F1 website, he said, “The practices we have had in the past just can’t be done.”
“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.”
Formula 1 restart without podium ceremonies and driver parade https://t.co/ncZGjZ5XJg
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“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. 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.”
The curtailed season will begin next month with a double-header race at Austria, followed by 6 other confirmed races.
The races at Singapore, Japan, and Azerbaijan have already been cancelled. But Formula One is hopeful of adding 2 races at Germany’s Hockenheim track, as also races at Ferrari’s Mugello circuit, and Quebec (Canada).
