Vettel, Red Bull conversation prompts FIA letter reminding of safety protocols

Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull have been reminded of social distancing protocols after the four-time Formula 1 champion was seen talking to his former employers without a facemask.

To ensure the safety of all teams and personnel, every individual on-site at the Red Bull Ring has been assigned to a social 'bubble'.

There are clear instructions that team personnel should not mix for any reason, while photographers, who usually roam freely going from garage to garage, consigned to just a single team.

Face masks are mandatory in the paddock, unless the meeting involves only two people who are at least two metres apart.

Although only a brief encounter, video footage has shown Vettel fist-bumping with Christian Horner before engaging in a brief conversation with the Red Bull team principal and advisor Helmut Marko. The exchange is a clear breach of protocol.

Both Red Bull and Vettel have been sent letters by the FIA reminding them of their responsibilities.

The FIA code of conduct reads: “No individual is forced to agree to comply with this COVID-19 Code, and no individual will be sanctioned by the FIA for failing to do so; but any individual who does not agree to comply with this COVID-19 Code will not be granted access to and may not attend any Covered Event"

Speaking to Sky Germany, Marko said of the conversation: "We have a good relationship [with Seb] and why should we not greet each other nicely and talk about the good old times."

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