Coronavirus Outbreak: Here's The Latest Update On F1 2020 Schedule

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which was scheduled to take place on June 7, has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak, the organizers announced Tuesday.

It is the eighth race on the calendar – after the Australian, Bahrain, Vietnam, Chinese, Dutch, Spanish and Monaco Grands Prix— to be called off as the start of the F1 2020 season continues to get delayed. The organizers of the street race in Baku have assured that they would work closely "with a view to announcing a new race date later in 2020".

“The postponement was agreed upon after extensive discussions with Formula 1 as well as the FIA and the Government of the Azerbaijan Republic. This comes as a direct result of the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic and has been based entirely on the expert guidance provided to us by the relevant authorities."

"The thoughts of everyone at Baku City Circuit during this challenging and unprecedented situation go out to all those directly and indirectly affected by the coronavirus pandemic. We wish to thank all our supporters, customers and partners for your understanding and look forward to welcoming you back to Baku later in the year for more unpredictable, thrilling racing action at the Home of the Street Fighters. In the meantime, we ask you to stay safe and stay at home if you can,” said officials from the Baku City Circuit in a statement.

In another news, F1 reigning champion Lewis Hamilton has lashed out at people who were ignoring advice on social distancing during the coronavirus crisis as “irresponsible and selfish.” His comments came in regards to the U.K. government’s advice against large gatherings and have asked its people to stay at least two meters away from others.

"I'm praying for my family's safety each day but I'm also praying for you out there. There are people out there still going to clubs and bars and large gatherings, which I feel is totally irresponsible and selfish."

"There is nothing we can do about it either way except try to isolate ourselves, stop ourselves from catching it and spreading it. I'm praying for those working at the local store, deliverers, doctors and nurses who put their own health at risk to help others and keep the countries running. Those are the heroes. Please stay safe, people,” added Hamilton in a recent interview.

Hamilton earlier had revealed hhe was in self-isolation after he attended an event in London. He met a couple of people there who later went on to test positive for coronavirus. Hamilton, who did not show any symptoms of the virus, still underwent the quarantine because he did not want to take any chance because that would mean risking the lives of people who are usually around him.