Formula One’s South African medical car driver REPLACED for 2022 season

✔ Fact Checked by TDPel News Desk

By Samantha Allen

Published: April 1, 2022 | 9:10 AM

Portugal’s Bruno Correia has taken over from South Africa’s Alan van der Merwe, an FIA spokesperson confirmed to the RN365 website.

Van der Merwe started driving the medical car at Grands Prix in 2009 and was in recent years joined in the passenger seat by Dr Ian Roberts, the FIA F1 Medical Rescue Co-Ordinator and Deputy Medical Delegate.

However, at the 2022 season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, Formula E Safety Car driver Correia took over at the wheel.

However, Correia will not do duty at all 22 of the scheduled races this season as he has other commitments.

Alan van der Merwe is not vaccinated against Covid-19

The change comes after Van der Merwe and Roberts both missed last year’s Turkish Grand Prix after testing positive for Covid-19.

The FIA nominated Correia for duty during the Istanbul Park event, after which it emerged – as reported by The South African website at the time – that Van der Merwe had not been vaccinated against the virus, putting his attendance in doubt.

“I am fully aware that I will potentially be less employable or that my freedom of movement will be restricted based on my choices,” the Swiss-South African wrote on social media.

“That I will not choose convenience over my own health does not mean I am making decisions out of selfishness. We all just want to be healthy.”

Vaccines are showing to be safe and effective for the vast majority of people. But what if you’re not in the majority? Do you automatically need to be excluded from society? Should some people’s health be sacrificed for the greater good of a vaccine rollout?

— Alan van der Merwe (@alanvdm) October 8, 2021

I am fully aware that I will potentially be less employable or that my freedom of movement will be restricted based on my choices. That I will not choose convenience over my own health does not mean I am making decisions out of selfishness. We all just want to be healthy.

— Alan van der Merwe (@alanvdm) October 8, 2021

In Switzerland (I’m half Swiss) and other developed countries, prior infection counts as much as a vaccine. I trust that those countries know what they’re doing, and also respect countries’ more restrictive rules and not travel there.

— Alan van der Merwe (@alanvdm) October 8, 2021

A difference of opinion is absolutely fine, and the point of a discussion. Hate, racism, personal attacks, being told I will hopefully die, trying to get me fired, etc etc will just get you blocked. pic.twitter.com/AKC4uz3T3t

— Alan van der Merwe (@alanvdm) October 8, 2021

With the FIA’s strict Covid protocols in place this year demanding that all F1 passholders be fully vaccinated to the standards of their home country, Van der Merwe’s stance means he is no longer eligible for Medical car duties.

Meanwhile, Germany’s Bernd Maylander will continue to drive F1’s Safety Car.

The third race of the 2022 Formula One season will take place in Australia on Sunday, 10 April.

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About Samantha Allen

Samantha Allen is a seasoned journalist and senior correspondent at TDPel Media, specializing in the intersection of maternal health, clinical wellness, and public policy. With a background in investigative reporting and a passion for data-driven storytelling, Samantha has become a trusted voice for expectant mothers and healthcare advocates worldwide. Her work focuses on translating complex medical research into actionable insights, covering everything from prenatal fitness and neonatal care to the socioeconomic impacts of healthcare legislation. At TDPel Media, Samantha leads the agency's health analytics desk, ensuring that every report is grounded in accuracy, empathy, and scientific integrity. When she isn't in the newsroom, she is an advocate for community-led wellness initiatives and an avid explorer of California’s coastal trails.