Coronavirus not set to disrupt opening three races of 2020 season

The coronavirus has been one of the biggest topics of conversation around the world over the last number of weeks, as it continues to spread worldwide.

The threat that it poses to F1 became very clear when it was decided that the Chinese Grand Prix should be postponed, which lead to further questions about the calendar.

The opening three races of the year - Australia, Bahrain and Vietnam - came under evaluation due to their close proximity to where the virus originated and the travel routes that people use to get to the venues.

The virus has also spread to Europe. Italy is the most affected country with 453 confirmed cases and 12 deaths, meaning that problems could face the Ferrari and AlphaTauri teams this year.

MOREWhat impact could the coronavirus have on F1 in 2020?

None of the opening three races are set to be affected, according to the CEO of Formula 1, Chase Carey.

“The Vietnam Grand Prix will take place on April 5 in Hanoi,” he said, as quoted by The Mirror. “And to anticipate another question, we do plan to proceed with the race.

“We're heading to Melbourne, heading to Bahrain and heading to Hanoi.”

Victoria's sports minister Martin Pakula added: “Melbourne is the only city in the world to host a Formula One race and a Grand Slam tennis tournament, and we look forward to the Grand Prix celebrating 25 years at Albert Park on March 15.”

Vietnam will host its first-ever F1 race this year, however there currently 16 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the Asian country.

Vietnam Grand Prix Corporation CEO Le Ngoc Chi stated that the nation is “ready and can't wait to welcome the world to Hanoi very soon”.

Replies (0)

Login to reply

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

Test calendar

See full test schedule

World Championship standings 2026

Show full world champion standings

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Spain
-
Bahrain
-
Bahrain
6 - Mar 8
Australia
13 - Mar 15
China
27 - Mar 29
Japan
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
1 - May 3
United States of America
22 - May 24
Canada
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
12 - Jun 14
Spain
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
10 - Apr 12
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
5 - Jun 7
Monaco Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
See full schedule
show sidebar