Formula 1 has already officially announced the postponement of the Chinese Grand Prix to a later date on the calendar. And although the Vietnam Grand Prix, which will be held on April 5th, is in just over a month and is not postponed, decisions are being made as the epidemic evolves.
« Due to the coronavirus epidemic in China since the beginning of the year, the FIA is closely monitoring the situation with the relevant authorities and its member clubs, under the guidance of the President of the FIA Medical Commission, Professor Gérard Saillant. » explains the press release.
In recent days, the epidemic has taken on different proportions globally. Although the epicenter is in China, new cases have been reported in small clusters, particularly in Italy, leading to the quarantine of several villages. The epidemic is declining in China but could still turn into a pandemic if other outbreaks emerged around the world.
The FIA – Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile has reassured and will take measures to protect its community, explains the statement: « The FIA will study the schedule of its upcoming races and will take, if necessary, all essential measures to protect the global motorsport community and its audience. »
Other cancellations or postponements cannot therefore be ruled out from the F1 World Championship, and this also applies to other competitions.