An open letter to F1 fans – from Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey

Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey has written to all F1 fans in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak and the effect it has had on the sport.

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. —more—

DO SAY, DON’T SAY: Your quickfire guide to Mercedes for 2020

In the hybrid era of F1, Mercedes have started 121 Grands Prix, and won 89 of them. That’s a metric that leaves everyone else eating their quite magnificently outwashed silver dust. After six years of frankly brutal dominance some thought that perhaps, maybe this year might be different – but it didn’t look like that in testing… —more—

Formula1.com | Formula 1, FIA and AGPC announce cancellation of the 2020 Australian Grand Prix

This weekend’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne has been cancelled. The news follows McLaren’s withdrawal from the race on Thursday, after one of their team members tested positive for the coronavirus.

A statement issued jointly by F1, governing body the FIA and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation read: “Following the confirmation that a member of the McLaren Racing Team has tested positive for COVID-19 and the team’s decision to withdraw from the Australian Grand Prix, Formula 1 and the FIA convened a meeting of the other nine team principals on Thursday evening. Those discussions concluded with a majority view of the teams that the race should not go ahead. —more—