Formula 1 clarifies pre-Russian GP Covid spike

Formula 1 has insisted the pre-Russian Grand Prix spike in the number of coronavirus cases is no cause for alarm.

F1 reported last week seven positive tests for the seven days up to and including September 25, that included a member of the media.

GPFans has learned the other six tests involved cleaners, local officials and catering providers, and were in no way linked to the increased numbers of fans in attendance at the Sochi Autodrom.

It is, however, believed that when figures for the race weekend are revealed on Friday there may be a further rise in cases as it was noticed the level of social distancing and precautions outside of the paddock were not as prevalent as in other countries visited.

Despite assertions from promoters and local authorities that the fans would wear masks at all times, and be kept a suitable distance apart, neither materialised.

With fans expected at other venues over the next few races, F1 is anticipating there will be fluctuations in the numbers of positive tests dependant on the countries involved due to the protocols in place.

An F1 spokesperson told GPFans: “Formula 1 and the FIA safety protocols are working very effectively including testing, tracing and other safety measures to ensure social distancing.

"There is never a zero Covid risk in any part of society and we ensure we mitigate any risks.

"We have always said that there will be positive cases, and we have shown that when they occur we can deal with the situation safely without disruption to an event.”

F1 and the FIA have reiterated their stance that the sport can effectively operate with multiple tens of cases without a weekend being compromised.

To date, there have been 47,000 tests since the season-opening Austrian Grand Prix, with just 16 positive cases.

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