F1 CEO Chase Carey is trying for a damage control as he apologises fans over the Australian GP debacle in an open letter he has shared.
The handling of Australian GP brought huge criticism from fans worldwide as the grand prix was cancelled only hours before the first practice session when a McLaren meber was tested positive for COVID-19 and further 13 isolated as precautionary measure.
Since then, Pirelli Motorsport has confirmed that one of its F1 team personnel has also been tested positive and is being treated in Australia. The situation was quite shambolic for anyone involved with the sport as things changed dramatically in days.
Carey and co made the right decision in the end as it also deferred both Bahrain GP and Vietnam GP, whereas questions mark remains over Dutch GP and Spanish GP as well as Monaco GP. For now, there is no official communication regarding the same.
The reports have suggested that F1 is looking at August and December as potential months to fit in the cancelled/postponed races so that the 2020 season has at least 18-20 grand prix. Carey, here, has apologised to the fans in an open letter.
The letter from Carey goes:
Dear F1 Fans,
We wanted to provide some thoughts and perspectives from last week as we address the coronavirus pandemic. First and foremost, our priority is the health and safety of the fans, teams, and organisations of Formula 1, as well as wider society.
We apologise to those fans affected by the cancellation in Australia, as well as the postponement of the other races to date. These decisions are being made by Formula 1, the FIA, and our local promoters in rapidly changing and evolving circumstances, but we believe they are the right and necessary ones. We also want to extend our thoughts to those already affected, including those in the Formula 1 family.
We recognise everyone wants to know what comes next for Formula 1 in 2020. We cannot provide specific answers today given the fluidity of the situation. However, we plan to get the 2020 Championship season underway as soon as it’s safe to do so. We are engaging with experts and officials on a daily basis as we evaluate how we go forward in the next few months. We will keep you updated and provide details as soon as possible on Formula1.com.
We are grateful for your support and understanding and we wish you and your families all the best.
Sincerely,
Chase Carey
Here’s news on Pirelli F1 member
Here’s update from McLaren regarding their current situation
Here’s Chase Carey, Ross Brawn on all what transpire and future
Here’s Ferrari halting work at their base
Here’s what F1 teams/drivers said about the recent developments
Here’s F1 calling off the South Africa Fan Festival
Here’s latest on Dutch and Spanish F1 races
Here’s news on F1 postponing Baharain, Vietnam