Nico Rosberg has been working as an analyst with Sky Sports F1 in the years since he retired from Formula 1, yet the German found his professional duties made all the more difficult after being banned from entering the paddock, or so it seemed.
This decision initially came as part of a rule change which was introduced at the outset of the 2022 season which required all personnel working within the paddock to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Drivers, engineers, team officials, media personnel and hospitality workers were all included in these regulations, and it is precisely why Rosberg has been contributing to Sky’s coverage of the current campaign from his home.
At the 2022 Monaco Grand Prix, Rosberg was present in his city of residence, but wasn’t permitted access to the paddock, so was only part of the Sky Sports F1’s coverage which took place outside of that area.
When asked to explain his decision not be vaccinated, the former world champion credited his own doctor’s advice.
“I recovered well from the corona disease and therefore have strong antibodies,” Rosberg told SPORT 1.
“I also have my antibodies tested regularly. Under these circumstances, my doctor advised me that vaccination would make absolutely no sense.”
However, the German went on to reject claims that he has been refused paddock access at the Monaco Grand Prix through his PR team.
“This is not true,” Rosberg’s PR manager confirmed to PlanetF1.com. “He didn’t try to get into the F1 paddock.”
