The Australian Grand Prix was cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic
The Australian Grand Prix – the season opener event of the F1 championship was cancelled following the Coronavirus pandemic.
The official decision to cancel the Grand Prix was taken by the authorities on early Friday morning.
Although there were significant doubts regarding the conduction of the race due to the virus fears, they finally took the decision following team McLaren’s withdrawal from the event.
McLaren decided to sit out of the event after a member of their team was tested positive to the COVID-19 virus.
Many of the F1 drivers including champion Lewis Hamilton took to Twitter following the event’s cancellation.
Though there was evident disappointment in most of the drivers’ words, they also seemed to respect the decision.
#AusGP pic.twitter.com/VKSFooJH7a
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) March 13, 2020
I’m devastated I can’t compete at my home GP here in Melbourne & get the season started. Ultimately though the right decision has been made & I think everyone can understand this is something we’ve never seen before. Sorry to all fans who came out for the support. Much love 💙
— Daniel Ricciardo (@danielricciardo) March 13, 2020
We'll have to wait a bit longer to get back in the car. I was really looking forward to get back behind the wheel but this is the best decision, the health of everyone is the priority. Stay safe everyone ❤️ pic.twitter.com/vKvo5lCtxG
— Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) March 12, 2020
All I want to do is race. But safety and health comes first. Hope to be racing soon again! Stay safe everyone 🙏🏼#VB77 #F1 #AusGP #Covid_19 @MercedesAMGF1 @ausgrandprix @F1 📷 @SebastianKawka pic.twitter.com/q4JdPJdoUx
— Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) March 13, 2020
No race here in Melbourne. Feels like a big thing for us as we prepared very hard for it BUT actually a very small thing compare to the challenge the world is facing right now. Stay safe everyone and try to fight #Covid_19 as much as you can. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/rHcquFLgNz
— Romain Grosjean (@RGrosjean) March 12, 2020
Also, the Australian Grand Prix has confirmed that all ticket holders would be receiving a refund.
2020 season now expected to start at the end of May
Meanwhile, the F1 and governing body, the FIA, have recently announced that they ‘expect’ the 2020 season to begin at the end of May.
However, this will be regularly reviewed and things could change depending on the situation.
The Chinese Grand Prix, which was set to take place on April 19th, was postponed due to the virus outbreak.
The Bahrain Grand Prix and the first-ever Vietnam Grand Prix scheduled to begin in April have also been postponed.
Hopefully, the virus dies down soon and F1 can get the season going again.
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