Formula 1 has launched an initiative encouraging fans to take COVID-19 vaccines ahead of the season’s final race in Abu Dhabi amid global fears the pandemic could get worse.
The sport released a video whereby drivers encourage people to go ahead with the injections, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali – who has had his jabs – led the plea to F1 fans: “Vaccines and boosters are our way out of this pandemic.
“We need to keep everyone safe and move forward together. I have had my vaccine and my booster and ask everyone to do the same. Formula 1 is moving ahead, and we ask for everyone to play their part,” added Domenicali.
Drivers including the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso, Charles Leclerc, Lando Norris, Lance Stroll, Mick Schumacher and George Russell have come together to urge fans to get the COVID-19 vaccine this winter.
The video comes as the booster programme is expanded this week, with the dose interval being shortened from six months to three months and those aged in their forties now able to book a month in advance – two months after their second dose.
The initiative emerges at a time when F1, led by Lewis Hamilton, campaign to highlight social issues that affect life beyond the F1 paddock.