126 days since Formula 1 last saw some on track action, the wait is finally over, Formula 1 is back! But in the wake of a global pandemic, a 'new normal' has had to be established. So what has changed? And how has it affected Formula 1?
Firstly, teams have been heavily reduced in the number of team personnel attending a race weekend, now only 80 team members are allowed at each race. All of which will have had a COVID-19 test before travelling, and every five days subsequently when on the road with Formula 1.
In order for Formula 1 to reduce the risk of spreading the virus, teams must maintain social distancing and remain in their team 'bubbles'. This therefore allows any infected person to know exactly who he or she has been in contact with. In order to do this, each team has had to charter their own planes to ensure safer travel to and from races ensuring less integration with others.
Drivers within teams are in smaller bubbles of just them, their trainers and their manager. As such, any engineering meeting involving a driver will be conducted via Zoom meetings to protect the bubble system. The same goes for FIA meetings if they cannot occur from a safe distance. The FIA has given permission for stewards to work remotely, if travel issues stop them getting to the track.
The grandstands will be empty for at least the first phase of the championship, fans will not be allowed in or around the track, the same applies to guests and sponsors. The Paddock will not look as it did before, as Formula 1 has banned the use of the usual hospitality units and motorhomes. Instead, the teams will now use the circuits infrastructure and facilities to create a more controlled environment and minimise the chance of an outbreak. Within this, Formula 1 has hired one caterer to cater for the entire Paddock, instead of every team having their own catering and hospitality unit.
Only a select few media presence is allowed to cover the event, even those attending will not all gain access to the Pit Lane, many journalists will have to remain in the media centre. From there, they can conduct socially distanced interviews or do so via video conferences. The media pen has also changed in form, with a two meter gap now evident between the driver and the journalist.
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A noticeable change within the F1 Paddock is the addition of a face mask or other personal protective equipment (PPE), which is now a compulsory item for all. Anybody attending F1 races this season will have had to sign official FIA code of conduct contracts, to ensure all within the Paddock are adhering to the 'new normal'. In addition to this, Formula 1 has its own version of the 'Track and Trace' system designed for the close confines of the race track and to better deal with a potential outbreak, should it occur.
With the addition of PPE and social distancing within the Paddock, Racing Point's technical director Andy Green expects engine changes to take twice as long, which has led to the FIA to extend working hours and relax the usually strict curfews. Teams can now work an extra hour on both Thursday and Friday.
In normal circumstances, teams would have the ability to chose their tyre choices fifteen weeks before a flyaway race and nine weeks before any European race weekend. However, in the current climate, Pirelli has created standard allocation of tyres, each team are given two sets of hards, three sets of mediums and eight sets of softs for the entire weekend. This eliminates any unnecessary travel.
Upon entering the Paddock, everyone will be temperature checked and have a symptom screening check. In between race weekends individuals' circuit and Paddock passes will be disabled until the return of a negative COVID-19 test.
On race day, the usual drivers parade will not take place due to the lack of spectators and being unable to maintain social distancing. A new Grid procedure will take place with a minimal amount of team personnel allowed, only 40 people per team, which is half the amount of people allowed to travel to races this season.
Podium celebrations and ceremonies have also had to change in light of the current situation. As social distancing cannot be upheld with usual podium ceremonies, the Grid will become a temporary podium. The top three drivers will have their own step of sorts with their correct driver cap and champagne at their feet. A trophy will be handed to each driver by a PPE protected individual, after such champagne is sprayed in normal F1 fashion.
The 'New Normal' is far from ideal in a usually bustlingly busy sport, but with the current ongoing situation, if the new normal is what we all have to adhere to in order to go racing again, it's a small price to pay to go racing again!
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