Formula 1 has confirmed that the Austrian Grand Prix podium ceremony will take place on the start/finish straight, with the wearing of masks mandatory.
Formula 1 has historically had a post-race podium ceremony on an area above the pit lane that involves the top three drivers, along with a representative from the winning team, where trophies are presented and champagne sprayed.
Due to the need for personnel to enforce social distancing where possible, and to avoid gatherings, the usual podium ceremony will not take place until further notice.
Instead, the top three finishers will be required to drive to the start/finish straight, where they will find the 1-2-3 boards on the start line.
“Other than the team mechanics, officials and FIA pre-approved television crews and the three FIA approved photographers, no-one else will be allowed in the designated area at this time (no driver physios nor team PR personnel),” read a statement issued on Sunday.
“Once out of their cars, the top three finishers will be weighed by the FIA using the portable scales next to their cars. Each driver must remain fully attired until after they have been weighed.
“After the drivers have been weighed, the post-race interviews will take place in this designated area, and the interviewer will be Jenson Button.
“Once the interviews have been completed a remote-control trolley with water and towel will be delivered to each driver. No other drinks are permitted in the Parc Fermé area.
“The 1, 2, 3 Rostrum and Dias will be placed on the track in front of the top three cars.
“Each driver will be handed their Pirelli caps which will also contain a Medical Face Mask both of which must be worn during the Podium Ceremony.
“When the drivers are ready, an announcement for the for the Podium Ceremony will take place which each driver introduced to move to their respective Podium Dias steps.
“The national anthems will then take place and virtual flags will be displayed.”
Trophies will then be presented, with no dignitaries present, and champagne will be sprayed.
A similar ceremony took place following Saturday’s Formula 2 Feature Race.
