Formula One’s traditional podium celebrations that the sport has embraced since its inauguration will be scrapped for the foreseeable future amid the global pandemic.
The podium ceremonies are one of the sport’s most iconic aspects across any Grand Prix weekend, but F1’s motorsport director Ross Brawn admits they simply cannot go ahead in this new-look world.
Rather, the top three finishers from each Grand Prix, along with any team representative from the victorious outfit, will participate in an individual celebration on the grid.
“Because of the implementation of the procedures, we need to be safe and sure of the COVID-19 situation,” Brawn told the championship’s official website. “The practises we have had in the past just can’t be done. The very packed grid that was a feature of F1 racing just can’t happen.
“The podium procedure can’t happen, but we’re looking at doing something on the grid after the race.
“One option would be to line the cars up on the track and the drivers will stand in front of cars.
“We can’t present the trophies, as you can’t have someone in close proximity presenting a trophy, but we have worked it out, we have plans and procedures, we’re looking at how we can present it on TV.”
It is understood that other aspects surrounding each Grand Prix weekend will likely be altered, including the formation lap and associated pre-race grid procedures where social distancing becomes impossible.
Thus, drivers could begin their formation lap from their pitbox, while any drivers parade will also be shelved.
“The drivers’ parade won’t happen as we can’t put 20 drivers on the back of a truck and take it around the track, so instead we will interview with each one of them in front of the garage.
“There’s plenty of ways we can engage without compromising health and safety.
“I’m 100 per cent confident that we will make it an engaging and exciting product, it will just be different.
“This is the new norm. How long will this carry on? We don’t know, but this will be the new norm for the rest of the year for sure.”
Several F1 teams will cut their first post-lockdown laps over the coming weeks in preparation for the revised season-opening Austrian Grand Prix slated for July 3-5.