Non-EU personnel attending the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix have been warned by authorities that they face a hefty fine, or even imprisonment, if caught flouting restrictions in the country.
The Formula 1 paddock will travel from Austria to neighbouring Hungary early next week for the third round of the campaign, due to take place at the Hungaroring, located on the outskirts of capital city Budapest.
Formula 1 personnel were always due to operate in an effective lockdown, remaining in hotels in Budapest, aside from when travelling to and from the Hungaroring, in order to be as responsible as possible.
In an updated copy of the Covid-19 Delegate’s notes for the Hungarian Grand Prix issued on Saturday morning, a copy of which has been seen by MotorsportWeek.com, further information was provided.
Hungary updated its requirements on Thursday, requiring non-EU residents to quarantine for two weeks, despite personnel having been in the Austrian GP bubble for almost that length of time.
A substantial portion of Formula 1’s paddock are non-EU citizens, with seven of the teams based in the UK, which left the block earlier this year.
“The Hungarian authorities have imposed restrictions on movement for Attendees of UK or other non-EU or EEA nationality,” read the updated event notes.
“Attendees of UK or other non-EU or EEA nationality should not leave the Venue or their accommodation for any reason, other than for travel between the two locations and for their pre-arranged arrival and departure to and from Hungary.
“Attendees of UK or other non-EU or EEA nationality may not use public transport and taxis.
“Any meals should be taken at either the Venue or the accommodation, and any free time should be spent within the boundaries of the accommodation.
“Failure to adhere to these additional restrictions will be punishable by the Hungarian authorities and may result in imprisonment and/or fines of up to approximately EUR 15,000.”
It has also been advised that those citizens exempt from the above restrictions should still abide by the FIA’s Code of Conduct guidelines.
“In order to clearly demonstrate the willingness of all Stakeholders and Attendees to respect the measures which the Hungarian government has established for the running of the Hungarian Event, and to avoid any possible confusion within the local community, it is highly recommended that all Attendees adhere to the restrictions outlined.”
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