F1 drivers join campaign encouraging vaccination against COVID-19
In a video released by F1, the 19 drivers were joined by FIA president Jean Todt and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali encouraging anyone that can to get vaccinated to “protect themselves and their communities” from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and 2021 title rival Max Verstappen are among those who feature in the video, with only Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen absent out of the current field of F1 drivers.
The recent emergence of the Omicron variant has led to several European countries re-introducing restrictions and even full lockdowns.
“We’re finding our way back to things we love, but Covid has not gone away,” said Hamilton.
Protect our communities. Protect each other.
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 11, 2021
Please, if you're able - get vaccinated. pic.twitter.com/Cdl2rBqX2m
The 2020 and 2021 F1 seasons were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with both calendars re-shuffled due to several event cancellations.
F1 president Domencali confirmed he has had three vaccination doses, including a booster shot.
“Vaccines and boosters are our way out of this pandemic, and we need to keep everyone safe and move forward together,” said Domenicali.
“I have had my vaccine and my booster and ask everyone to do the same. Formula 1 is moving ahead, and we ask for everyone to play their part.”
Over 120million doses have been administered in the United Kingdom, with 46.6m of the 67.2m population now fully vaccinated against COVID.
The UK’s vaccination programme was one of the fastest in the world when it started, with as many as 800,000 doses a day being rolled out by March 2021.
