2016 champion and current commentator for British broadcaster Sky Sports, Nico Rosberg has been banned from the Formula 1 paddock. The decision came from the category's own administration, since the former driver chose not to be vaccinated against the coronavirus.

For the 2022 season, everyone in the paddock of the world's largest auto racing category must have an up-to-date vaccination. This includes not only drivers and officials, but also the press, local workers, and any guests.

It is because of such a determination of Formula 1 that Rosberg, even though he has a free pass to the paddock granted because of the 2016 title, is banned. The former driver justified the denialist stance to Sport1.

F1 bane Rosberg do paddock (Foto: Mercedes) — F1 bans Rosberg from the paddock (Photo: Mercedes)

"I have recovered well from Covid and therefore have strong antibodies. I also test my antibodies regularly. Under these circumstances, my doctor recommended to me that vaccination would make absolutely no sense," the German said.

For Sky Sports, Rosberg participated in the coverage of the Emilia-Romagna GP directly from home, and not in person at the Imola circuit. In Monaco, the former driver was present from his apartment - rather than joining the British broadcaster in the paddock.

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The determination for the mandatory vaccine in Formula 1 was made in December, the last month of the 2021 season, during the meeting of the World Motor Racing Council of the FIA (International Automobile Federation).

BIG PRÊMIO reminds us: vaccines save lives and are safe. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), the Covid-19 vaccination has been tested on a large scale, with controlled trials including people of a wide age range, across all genders, different ethnicities, and with known medical conditions. The vaccines have shown a high level of efficacy in all populations and are considered safe and effective in people with many different medical conditions.