FIA Awards Gala to Go On Despite Virus Concerns
The FIA Prize Gala, scheduled to be held in Rwanda in December, is moving forward despite concerns over the outbreak of the Marburg virus in the country. The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised against travel to Rwanda due to the severity of the outbreak, but the FIA, motor racing’s governing body, is currently maintaining its plans to host the event in Kigali on December 13.
This annual gala is a prestigious event where FIA championship winners, including those from Formula 1, officially receive their trophies. The ceremony is also mandatory for key F1 figures, as outlined in Article 6.9 of the F1 Sporting Regulations, which requires the top three drivers and the winning constructor to attend. This rule has caused controversy in the past, such as when Lewis Hamilton was fined for missing the 2021 event following the controversial season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Despite the health concerns, the gala is also set to celebrate the FIA’s 120th anniversary, making it a significant milestone for the organization. The FIA is reportedly monitoring the situation closely, but at present, no changes have been made to the event’s schedule.
