[ATTACH]
https://www.racefans.net/2020/03/12/mercedes-request-cancellation-of-australian-grand-prix/ The Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team has today sent a letter to the FIA and F1 requesting the cancellation of the 2020 Australian Grand Prix. We share the disappointment of the sport’s fans that this race cannot go ahead as planned. However, the physical and mental health and wellbeing of our team members and of the wider F1 community are our absolute priority. In light of the force majeure events we are experiencing with regards to the Coronavirus pandemic, we no longer feel the safety of our employees can be guaranteed if we continue to take part in the event. We empathise strongly with the worsening situation in Europe, most especially in Italy, and furthermore we do not feel it would be right to participate in an event where fellow competitors such as McLaren are unable to do so through circumstances beyond their control. Our team will therefore begin pack-up preparations at the circuit this morning.
Dickheads. Mclaren excluded themselves, their decision...Merc of course tries to use their weight to cancel entire event.
FIA/F1 just announced the cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix "We appreciate this is very disappointing news for the thousands of fans due to attend the race and all ticket holders will receive a full refund and a further announcement will be communicated in due course." Image Unavailable, Please Login
Ofcourse. Mercedes pretty much runs the show now. Ferrari has more important challenges to deal with back in Italy
https://www.ferrari.com/en-AU/formula1/articles/australian-grand-prix-2020-press-release Melbourne 13 March 2020 Scuderia Ferrari fully supports the decision taken by the FIA and Formula 1 in conjunction with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation to cancel the Australian Grand Prix (13 to 15 March) at Melbourne’s Albert Park circuit. The safety of all team members is our number one priority, especially as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to evolve rapidly. We feel very sorry for the fans who were due to come to Albert Park and support the Formula 1 race with all their usual enthusiasm, as well as all those who would have been watching from around the world.
Well, I hope they don't bin all those thousands of already prepared hospitality meals and distribute to homeless folk, retirement homes, hospitals etc. Being Australia there will no doubt be some bye-law prohibiting that.
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/red-bull-race-melbourne-willing/4744462/ this story claims only RBR/AT and Racing Point wanted to race.
Chase Carey will talk to the press in front of media centre @ 11.30am local time (which is in 30mins time)
statement from williams https://www.williamsf1.com/news/2020/03/rokit-williams-racing-australian-grand-prix-statement ROKiT Williams Racing fully supports the decision taken by the FIA, Formula One and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation to cancel this weekend’s (13-15 March) 2020 FIA Formula One Australian Grand Prix. Whilst the decision, taken after confirmation that a member of another team has tested positive for COVID-19, will sadly deprive the many loyal fans in Melbourne the chance to see the race, the safety of both every member of the team, and the fans, is absolutely the priority.
