Formula 1 drivers are set to continue a boycott about a decision to not give their personal physical trainers grid access before the start of grands prix.
The build-up to the first race of the season in Bahrain was struck by a bizarre protest agreed to among drivers for them to leave the grid and stand in the pit lane or garages so they could be with their physios. A leading driver, who wished to remain anonymous, told AUTOSPORT that they were angry that F1 commercial boss Bernie Ecclestone had refused to give grid access to their physios. The drivers have told him that they need their physios with them to ensure they are in perfect physical shape for the race.
It is believed Ecclestone has told the drivers that he thinks there are too many people on the grid, and that if they want their physios there then it is up to the teams to sort them a pass, something that is not easy with outfits already having strict number limits for staff. With the protest having gone ahead in Bahrain, the source said that the plan of action would likely continue for the next race in Australia, too, unless the physios' access to the grid is sorted.