Ferrari will be warned to respect the FIA’s COVID-19 protocols after Charles Leclerc returned to Monaco and socialised with people outside his ‘bubble’ between Formula 1 races.
As part of the strict safety measures put in place to allow F1 to start its season amid the coronavirus pandemic, regular COVID testing is mandatory but personnel must also restrict their movement or exposure to other people.
Those ‘bubbles’ cannot be mixed even when outside the circuit, and those who flout those rules may be reported to FIA and F1, and risk not being allowed to attend the event.
While most drivers and personnel remained in Austria between the two Red Bull Ring races, Leclerc and Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas returned to their respective Monaco homes.
Leclerc was pictured in at least two social situations, one of which without a face mask and with a lack of social distancing – two crucial components of the F1 measures.
“I did come back home,” said Leclerc on Thursday.
“On the other hand, I’ve been tested twice before coming back so in two days testing twice, both negative obviously, and that’s it.
“But yes, I went back home for two days then did two tests to be sure of the results.”
The Race understands Ferrari will receive a second warning of the need to adhere to the protocols, having previously been reminded – along with Red Bull – that it is of the utmost important that they are respected.
Last week, Sebastian Vettel was pictured in conversation with Red Bull team boss Christian Horner and Dr Helmut Marko, none of whom were wearing face masks or observing social distancing.
Bottas and Mercedes have not been deemed to have breached any guidelines, as the Finn said he stayed with the same people he was in proximity to in Austria.
“I found out if it’s allowed to go back and yes it is,” said Bottas on Thursday.
“And, of course, it doesn’t really make a difference if I stay with the same people in the same bubble, whether I’m here, or back home in Monaco.
“So, I decided to go back home, as we are in Europe and traveling is a pretty short distance so there’s no extra stress from the travel.
“I just wanted to spend those three fully days at home, thought it was very nice, recharged for the weekend.
“I just tend to do things that works for me, how I feel, what I want to do between the races when I have days off and from a safety point of view, there’s no difference at all.
“Still with the same people that I’ll be dealing with here.”
Team-mate Lewis Hamilton has been staying at the track, as have other drivers.
“I was with the engineers on Monday, training within the track on Tuesday, and back here with the engineers again on Wednesday,” said Hamilton.
“I went on walks with my dog but that was about it.”
