Formula one CEO, Chase Carey, has released an official statement regarding the Covid-19 outbreak. Sort of.
As the world tumbles into a perpetual state of lock down, the one certainty is confusion. Nobody has answers and plans are all up in the air. Just how long this global pandemic will last is unknown. We are living in unprecedented times. With more and more people confined to their homes, we grasp at whatever straws there may be. In that sense, hearing something – anything, from the FIA is at least comforting.
With the Australian Grand Prix seemingly cancelled and the postponement of races in Vietnam and Bahrain, it is nice to know that the governing body remains optimistic for future events. No matter how futile that may feel currently. The entire world may feel stuck in limbo in these strange times. And it is, for all intensive purposes. Any sign of life beyond this pandemic is more than welcomed. There is hope. For humanity. For sports and entertainment. For a return to normal. There is hope.
Below is Chase Carey’s statement;
“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 apologize 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.
We recognize everyone wants to know what comes next for Formula 1 in 2020. We cannot provide specific answers today given the fluidity of the situation. However, we plan to get the 2020 Championship season underway as soon as it’s safe to do so. We are engaging with experts and officials on a daily basis as we evaluate how we go forward in the next few months. We will keep you updated and provide details as soon as possible on Formula1.com.”
Formula One became one of the first sporting disciplines to cancel its events. Members of two of its ten teams contacted the virus, prompting McLaren racing to withdraw from the debut Grand Prix.
Chase Carey remains optimistic.
