F1 News
Hamilton admits it’s “pretty shocking” that the Australian GP is going ahead
- Bevan Youl
Lewis Hamilton has admitted to it being “pretty shocking” being at the Australian Grand Prix that is still going ahead amid the coronavirus outbreak that has seen sporting events around the world postponed.
The Chinese Grand Prix has already been postponed and there had been concern that the first three races to start of the season wouldn’t go ahead.
But Formula 1 has introduced a number of measures at Albert Park on precautionary grounds for fans attending the event.
Hamilton is still concerned about the race weekend still going ahead with recent travel restrictions and sporting cancellations due to coronavirus.
"I am really very, very surprised that we're here. I think it's great that we have races but it's pretty shocking we are all sitting in this room [for the conference]," said Hamilton Thursday.
"There are so many fans here already today and it seems like the rest of the world is reacting, probably a little bit late.
"But already this morning we have seen Trump shutting down the borders from Europe to the States and we have seen the NBA has been suspended, and Formula 1 continues to go on."
"It's definitely concerning for me."
Four team members of Haas and one at McLaren in Australia have been placed into precautionary self-isolation due to showing potential symptoms of Covid-19.