Lewis Hamilton suggests that Formula 1 leaders at Liberty Media have put money ahead of the safety of personnel and spectators by attempting to run the Australian Grand Prix in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
As the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic, the Formula 1 World Championship continues to be one of the few sporting fixtures to remain relatively unscathed, and six-time champion Hamilton says that he does not feel comfortable racing under such circumstances.
“I am very, very surprised that we are here,” said Hamilton in the Thursday drivers’ press conference. “I think it’s great that we have races, but for me it’s shocking that we’re all sitting in this room.
“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’ve seen (Donald) Trump shutting down the borders from Europe to the States. We are seeing the NBA being suspended, and F1 continues to go on.
“I saw Jackie Stewart this morning, looking fit and healthy and well, and some people as I walked into the paddock, some elderly individuals. So it’s a concern for the people here. It’s definitely concerning for me. So no is your answer.”
As of Wednesday, three members of Formula 1 personnel were being tested for COVID-19 after showing symptoms of the virus, and this number has now risen to five.
How has Formula One responded? By cancelling autograph sessions with fans and ensuring that no media gets within two meters of drivers while conducting interviews.
Asked why he feels the race is going ahead despite the obvious health risks, Hamilton commented, “Cash is king, but honestly I don’t know. I can’t really add much.”
“I don’t feel like I should shy away from the fact of my opinion. The fact is we are here and I just urge everyone to really just be as careful as you can be in touching doors and surfaces. I hope everyone’s got hand sanitizer, and really for the fans I really, really hope that they take precautions.
“I was walking through and seeing just everything going ahead as normal, like it’s a normal day. So, I just hope all the fans stay safe, and I really hope we go through this weekend without seeing any fatalities.”
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