Hamilton To Verstappen Campaign For COVID-19 Vaccine, Seven Drivers Have Been Infected

F1 racing champions campaign for vaccination (Source: Antara)

JAKARTA - A number of Formula 1 drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, who are fighting for the world title this season, are encouraging the public to vaccinate against COVID-19.

Formula 1 will enter the world title-determining race as Hamilton and Verstappen head into the season-ending race in Abu Dhabi with the same score, but the Dutchman is 9-8 wins ahead of his British rival.

"We are back doing what we love but COVID has not gone away," said Hamilton, who missed the Bahrain race last year due to the coronavirus, in the video released by F1 on Saturday, December 11.

"Please do your part," said Verstappen.

"Get the vaccine, I think that makes sense," added four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel.

"We must unite in this and we must share the same fate," said two-time world champion Fernando Alonso.

Alfa Romeo's Kimi Raikkonen, the 2007 world champion, who will retire at the end of the season, did not appear in the video containing messages from the 19 drivers because the Finn contracted COVID-19 in September and missed two races this season. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali says vaccines and boosters are the way out.

"We have to keep everyone safe and move forward. I have been vaccinated and got a boost and urge everyone to do the same. Formula 1 is moving forward, and we ask everyone to play their part," said Domenicali.

F1 has been operating in a bubble with regular tests in place since last year, although health protocols have been relaxed and large numbers of fans have been allowed to watch live on the circuit.

So far, seven drivers have been infected with COVID-19, namely Hamilton, Sergio Perez, Charles Leclerc, Pierre Gasly, Lando Norris, Lance Stroll and Raikkonen.