Host of F1 drivers and teams have reacted to the recent developments around the sport with regards to cancellation of Australian GP and postponement of Bahrain and Vietnam races.
Following a shambolic Australian GP which saw F1 attempt to go ahead as planned despite the COVID-19 outbreak, since then it has been announced that the 2020 season will be delayed until late May – when they hope they can kick-off the year.
After the Australia news, F1 and FIA officially announced the postponement of the Bahrain GP and the inaugural Vietnam GP, although given the timeframe they set for return, it seems other races will be either cancelled or postponed.
While there exists a group who holds resentment towards F1 and the tracks for this decision, the general consensus is that the correct decision was made. And, with regards to the changes, here’s what teams, drivers, and all of the involved parties have said:
Bahrain International Circuit: “We have been in continuous discussions with F1 and the FIA in recent weeks, as the situation with regards to COVID-19 has evolved globally. The mutually agreed decision to postpone the race is the right thing to do, given recent developments and the overwhelming priority to protect the health of all concerned.
“We will be working closely with our partners at F1 and the FIA on monitoring the global situation and hope to be able to welcome the return of F1 later this year, once it is right to do so. Finally, our thoughts go out to all those who have been affected by the COVID-19 virus.”
Vietnam Grand Prix Corporation: “In view of the continued spread of novel coronavirus and after ongoing discussions with Formula One World Championship Ltd – the holder of copyrights and licenses for Formula One – as well as the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile & the Hanoi People’s Committee, the Vietnamese Motorsports Association (VMA), the Vietnam Grand Prix Limited Liability Company (VGPC) regrets to announce the postponement of the Formula 1 VinFast Vietnam Grand Prix 2020 as scheduled.
“Due to take place on April 3rd-5th, the decision to postpone comes after extensive consideration of the ongoing and developing coronavirus situation as well as the recent WHO declaration of the outbreak as a global pandemic, and follows guidance from all relevant authorities whose collective concern is the health and well-being of the Vietnamese people as well as travelling Formula 1 fans, staff, and championship participants.
“This has been a very difficult decision to reach, especially as preparations for Hanoi to join the world’s most prestigious sporting event with a world-class, state-of-the-art Formula 1 circuit had just entered the final stages. VGPC will continue to work closely with Formula 1, the FIA, the Hanoi People’s Committee and the VMA to monitor the situation and will look to announce an alternative date and provide a further update for our ticket purchasers, partners and sponsors in due course.
“Our thoughts go out to all those directly and indirectly affected by the current coronavirus situation, as well as those for whom this announcement will be a disappointment as they looked forward to an exciting inaugural race in Vietnam. In the meantime, we would like to than all of our supporters, customers and fans for your understanding and hope to welcome you to the Hanoi circuit in the very near future.”
Lewis Hamilton: “Sadly, this is the right decision. No one wants this, we all want to get in our cars and go racing, but we have to be realistic and we must put health and safety first. The reality is, this is really serious with people dying every day, lots of people ill, and even if they are not ill, many people are being affected financially and emotionally.
“No one really knows the extent of what we are dealing with, but we should all take precautions to keep as many people as safe as possible. I know it’s disappointing – a sport unites us when times are tough – but it’s the right call. Listen to the advice, everyone, keep safe. Hope to be back to racing soon but in the meantime look after yourselves.
“Gutted to not be qualifying. I decided to stick around Melbourne and go indoor rock climbing. It’s a great way for me to keep focused. I just wanted to say thanks to all of you who have been sending me such positive messages. Hope you are all staying safe.”
Valtteri Bottas: “All I want to do is race. But safety and health comes first. Hope to be racing soon again! Stay safe everyone.”
Max Verstappen: “We were all looking forward to the start of the 2020 season. Of course I’m disappointed but we all understand that in the end this was the right decision. Feeling sorry for all the fans and everyone involved. Stay safe.
McLaren: “The health and well-being of our team, partners, fans and the entire F1 community is our priority, and therefore McLaren fully supports Formula 1 and the FIA’s decision to postpone the Bahrain and Vietnam Grands Prix.”
Lando Norris: “While I’m gutted that I can’t race, the most important thing right now is everyone’s health. We’ve been doing everything we can to limit spread and that has naturally involved me being around as few people as possible. My only thoughts are with the team and everyone in the world fighting this.”
Antonio Giovinazzi: “Health comes first. This is the moment of courage, of a sport that runs at over 300 km / h, but which has found the courage to stop. The courage of each of us in knowing how to wait, with commitment and responsibility.”
Pierre Gasly: “Stay safe everyone, and let’s hope this whole COVID-19 situation gets better soon. Shame we can’t race, but keeping everybody health & safety is priority. Was really looking forward to start the season, but we will have to wait. Lets hope for better news soon.”
Charles Leclerc: 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.”
Carlos Sainz: “Really sad news. Cancelling the first GP of the season is a hard decision but it had to be made. Now I just hope the best for everyone in the affected regions. Lets hope this pandemic outbreak is under control asap. Please people be conscious and stay safe!”
George Russell: “Can’t remember ever being more excited for a race weekend than Australia – but cancelling was absolutely the right call. Eveybody’s safety has to come first. Stay safe people.”
Sergio Perez: “We arrived with much hope, after so much preparation sadly we are not going to start the season! But now the most important thing is everyone’s health, we must be aware and take all the measures that are within our reach. A lot of strength for everyone and let’s take good care of ourselves.”
Daniel Ricciardo: “I’m devastated I couldn’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.”
Esteban Ocon: “Will have to wait some more days to get officially back racing. Of course, very disappointed but this is the best decision for us drivers, teams and fans. Hopefully the whole situation will get better soon. Stay safe.”
Romain Grosjean: “We will have to wait a bit longer to go racing. But everyone health and safety is priority number 1. Please follow as much as you can advices from WHO.”
Kevin Magnussen: “Was so pumped to go racing, but the safety, health and well being of everyone is by far the most important thing and this was the right thing to do. Stay safe everyone and look after each other.”
Nicholas Latifi: “It goes without saying that I was extremely excited to finally make my debut in Formula 1 in Australia but it will have to wait. The safety and well being of everyone involved has to be the priority. Stay safe everyone and hopefully we can go racing sometime soon.”
Outside this, majority of the F1 teams and drivers also backed the decision to cancel the Australian GP specifically even though they all flew there to compete. Ross Brawn and Chase Carey also explained why they cancelled at last minute.
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
Here’s news on how F1 Aus GP was cancelled
Here’s news from McLaren pulling out
Here’s what F1 drivers said regarding racing in Aus GP
The story was co-written by Darshan Chokhani