Coronavirus stops Formula 1: race cancellations & further season planning. Corona virus also paralyzes Formula 1
The corona virus continues to spread. After the sudden outbreaks in Italy, the number of new infections is increasing all over Europe and the rest of the world. Empty supermarket shelves and canceled cultural events are now part of everyday life. Life as we actually know it stands still. The WHO recently declared COVID-19 a pandemic.
The virus does not stop at the biggest sporting events. The American NBA interrupted its season as one of the first leagues. The season finals in winter sports were canceled and numerous leagues in football came to a standstill.
The Corona virus has also recently arrived in Formula One.
Of course, Formula 1 is not the most important topic in times of the global corona crisis, but betting base wants to provide an update to the current Formula 1 schedule and the first race cancellation.
Formula 1 start in Melbourne canceled
Shortly before the first training sessions in Australia, the Formula 1 start in Melbourne was canceled. After a long night and several false reports, the FIA made a statement together with the Australian officials on the cancellation. Hours of talks with the Formula One teams led to the final cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix.
For many, the cancellation comes too late
Previously, the FIA had to accept severe criticism on its social media channels. They would have delayed the cancellation for too long because countless sporting events had been canceled much earlier. In addition, the planned race with fans on the track would have been irresponsible.
Criticism also came from some drivers and teams who strongly doubted the trip to Australia. Acting world champion Lewis Hamilton has shown incomprehension in the past few days. For Hamilton, the cancellation comes too late. Already at the press conference, he criticized the FIA with harsh words. Above all, he is worried about the fans.
Positive test at McLaren
The McLaren race cancellation led to the final decision. The British factory team had to pull the ripcord first and keep the cars away from the race track after an employee tested positive on Corona. McLaren now has 14 employees in quarantine. In contrast, there are no positive results for the other teams.
When does the Formula 1 season start?
But what does the season look like after the cancellation in Melbourne? The season in Bahrain was supposed to continue in a week. Here, too, there are major problems with the outbreak of COVID-19. The Arab desert state has been banning entry from Italy for several weeks. The weekend in Bahrain is not a good star for Scuderia and tire manufacturer Pirelli.
The drivers would then travel on to Vietnam. A grandiose premiere was supposed to take place here, with which Formula 1 wanted to further expand its racing calendar. On Friday afternoon it was finally announced that the second and third races had been postponed.
Possible start of the season in the Netherlands
It cannot be ruled out that Formula 1 will only start its season with the race in Zandvoort. A new route will also be introduced here on May 3rd. It seems more and more likely that the racing course will be the start of the Formula 1 season in its first year.
Is there a summer break?
If there were several cancellations, the summer break would be suspended. Some canceled races should be postponed to August. However, an extension into winter is unlikely. This should serve to prepare for the 2021 season, in which extensive changes to the rules present the teams with new challenges.
However, the uncertainty as to how it will continue remains great. The current situation is absolutely unpleasant for the drivers and teams. The hoped-for battle for the world championship title of the 2020 Formula 1 season was stopped before the first showdown ever occurred.
Overview: Formula 1 2020 race cancellations
?️ 03/15/2020 – The Australian Grand Prix – canceled
?️ 03/22/2020 – The Bahrain Grand Prix – canceled
?️ 04/05/2020 – The Vietnam Grand Prix – canceled
?️ 04/19/2020 – The Grand Prix of China – canceled
?️03.05.2020 – The Grand Prix of the Netherlands – planned
