Formula 1 Season Could Be Postponed To June Due to Virus Concerns

Formula 1 officially confirmed the postponement of the season-opening for the Australian Grand Prix and subsequent events in Vietnam and Bahrain.

Due to the current momentum of the coronavirus and international concern, relevant stakeholders are discussing starting the season in June.

The official verdict on the Australian Grand Prix arrived just after 10 am in Melbourne. It followed the confusion after McLaren withdrew from the season-opening after a team member tested positive for the virus.

Formula 1's governing body released a statement claiming the FIA and F1 convened a meeting after McLaren's decision with the other team principles. The discussions concluded the race should not go ahead.

They subsequently sent thousands of fans away from Albert Park and confirmed all ticket holders would be issued with a refund.

Within minutes of the announcement from Formula 1, drivers began to post their messages to social media.

While several were disappointed at the start of the season, all of them understood the decision made. Lewis Hamilton posted on Instagram that it was the right decision despite the current feelings, and everyone had to be practical considering the health concerns.

Daniel Ricciardo claimed he was devastated that he did not get to race in his home town in Melbourne. He did reiterate, though, that everyone could understand this is something that has never been seen before.

Charles LeClerc also joined in the support for the decision and maintained it would take a bit longer to get back in the car and start racing.

The cancellation of the Australian GP did not elicit the same reactions from the fans, though. Thousands who had already booked tickets for the event have since slammed Formula 1 after the announcement.

The disappointed fans believe they were left in the dark considering Formula 1 failed to confirm earlier on whether the event would go ahead or not. Officials only confirmed that they were monitoring the situation.

To be fair, the confirmed case of the virus in one of the team members is what tipped the scale and left the motorsport platforms with no choice.

Some of the spectators standing outside Gate 5 told local media outlets they had come as far as London while others were willing to brave the threat of the virus and travel the world for the season.

One man who had come from Sydney to watch the Australian GP had already booked his ticket for the Vietnam race as well.