The medical car driver will miss the last races of the season
Alan Van Der Merwe, who drives the medical safety car, will miss the last three races of the season even though he is recovering from his battle against Covid-19.
The South African who rescued Romain Grosjean in Bahrain last year, as well as F1 doctor Ian Roberts, have tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of the Turkish Grand Prix. The one who has been driving the medical car since 2009 is not new to this experience as he had already contracted the virus in March 2020. However, his situation is much less severe than a year ago. “My illness is far less serious this time,” he said on his Twitter account.
Van der Merwe then confirmed that he was not vaccinated against the coronavirus for personal reasons. This will not be a problem in Texas (provided he gets a negative PCR test by then), Brazil, and Mexico. However, the former Formula Ford driver will not be able to attend the last three events of the season as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Abu Dhabi require proof of vaccination. His presence in Losail is not yet ruled out in case of a quarantine, but Van der Merwe hinted that he will not isolate himself.
Michael Masi, the race director of Formula 1, confirmed to Motorsport.com the restrictions imposed by the previously mentioned countries. « There are two or three countries where one probably won’t be able to enter unless vaccinated. It is necessary to respect the requirements to enter this or that territory ».
Bruno Franceschini and Brunon Correia, the medical duo in Formula E, are expected to be in the medical car, just like in Turkey last weekend, to ensure the end of the 2021 Formula 1 season.
