That is the claim of the Times of India, revealing that other F1 team members and journalists are experiencing simular difficulties whilst preparing to travel to Delhi next month.
The rumours had begun to emerge in the Monza paddock last weekend.
“I just came back from Monza where people have been complaining about how difficult it is to get visas for the trip to India,” said Team Lotus reserve driver Karun Chandhok, whose father Vicky is the head of India’s motor sport clubs.
Amid the recent tax and customs issue surrounding F1′s freight, the Indian government admitted this week that it does not regard the grand prix – organised by a fully private entity – as an “event of national importance”.
One figure who has had his visa application rejected, according to the Times of India, is Mercedes driver Rosberg.
The same is also true for “half” of the HRT team, the newspaper added.
Even the FIA’s head of communications is still waiting for his visa.
“If the government takes three weeks to process a visa application, almost 90 per cent of F1 people, me included, won’t attend the race,” Matteo Bonciani warned.
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