Grosjean not really reassured by the health situation in Sochi

Before the Russian Grand Prix, we knew that Sochi would represent not only a huge logistical challenge but also a big unknown in terms of the health situation. 

Reaching the shores of the Black Sea was not a smooth ride, between chaotic flight cancellations, difficulties obtaining a visa, and the need to present a negative PCR test in English or Russian to the authorities. Drastic restrictions which contrast sharply with the atmosphere on site. 

A popular seaside resort for locals, the city of Krasnodar is currently enjoying a very summery climate with temperatures above 30°C and its beaches are being stormed by cohorts of tourists, almost none of whom wear a mask. , the latter not being obligatory.  

« I'm probably going to get a slap on the wrist but this is the first hotel where I don't feel safe, testified Romain Grosjean with representatives of the French press. In Russia, wearing a mask is not obligatory and there are a lot of fans at the hotel so we end up in elevators with people from outside the bubble. F1. 

It’s not a situation where I feel super comfortable. I'm not afraid of having the Coronavirus personally for my health but I just don't want to catch it because I can't do car racing, I can't do my job ». 

Grosjean specifies that “ there are not 36 hotels where you can stay around the circuit », Sochi still hosts several large hotel complexes, a legacy of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. 

« There are a lot of people from the FOM, there are teams and drivers from F2, the people at Pirelli (din the hotel where the American team is staying, Editor’s note), added the pilot Haas. But also quite a few people that I don’t know personally, so I imagine they are fans or tourists vacationing in the region. 

There are a lot of people, especially on the beach. In a way, it’s nice to see but right now with the precautions we’re taking, it’s not the place where I feel the safest. We will try to be even more careful ».   

After the 2 people allowed in the stands at Mugello, 880 spectators are expected this weekend at the Sochi autodrome, a prospect that Grosjean is delighted with despite the health uncertainty outside the circuit.  

« It’s great to see a few people in the stands again, concluded the Frenchman. We do not have interaction with fans via autograph sessions. For now, this is the right decision. I am less satisfied with the sanitary measures at the hotel ».