Coulthard: F1 coronavirus measures 'a bit strange'
Jul.11 - Former F1 driver turned highly respected broadcaster David Coulthard says the 'ghost race' measures in Austria "seem a bit strange to me".
Strict procedures are in place at the Red Bull Ring, and for subsequent races, to guard against the risk of coronavirus infections.
Widespread testing, the scrapping of the traditional podium, personnel 'bubbles', mandatory mask-wearing and even social distancing during interviews are all in force.
"I'm sorry, but the whole thing seems a bit strange to me from the perspective of a TV commentator," Coulthard told the Austrian newspaper Salzburger Nachrichten.
"Keeping a distance is good, but interviewing drivers outdoors with masks with the questioner more than two metres away is an exaggeration.
"I don't want to criticise it, because it was a decision made by the authorities, the FIA and Formula One Management. But if everyone in public can get closer than that without a mask, it should be possible for the drivers too," he added.
"Every politician on television isn't wearing a mask. I just think it's questionable from a discrimination point of view as well. Why? Deaf people understand by reading lips, but they can't do that with these masks," said the former McLaren and Red Bull driver.
When asked if the measures can be eased up over the next races, Coulthard answered: "I want to believe the answer is yes.
"With the same protective measures as are in the paddock, you can have people in the grandstands," said the Scot. "It's much tighter in planes or trains than in outdoor grandstands where you can keep your distance."
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It’s ridiculous. The cameraman, interviewer and interviewee are all outside, more than 2 metres away and wearing masks. Absolute overkill.
In other sports, commentators are not wearing masks. I think it's time to do away with the masks, just keep the social distancing.
I agree with David Coulthard, too exaggerated.
Yes for goodness sake stop it with the masks -it looks ridiculous. We can't catch the virus over the TV so what is the point? The time is over - move on.
Total Discrimination against Deaf people with the drivers wearing masks while getting interviewed, also presenters speaking to each other with masks on with social distancing in place , and then George Russell gets interviewed without a mask !!!!! absolute shambles, !!! Formula 1 needs to take a big look at its set up and realise that it doesn’t really know how to set up in these times ,when do you see any this in any other sport ? NONE !!! Fair play to David Coulthard speaking up on the matter and giving he’s opinion on it , yes I believe some drivers like the idea of keeping there faces covered for some strange reason , but I believe the majority will be slightly embarrassed by the rules !!
GET RID OF THE MASKS FOR GODS SAKE THEY ALL LOOK RIDICULOUS AN THEM ALL OUTSIDE..F1 MANAGEMENT TAKE THE F..IN MASKS OFF !!
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