On Wednesday, the Formula 1 teams will discuss canceling the race in China. The background is the spread of the corona virus. A course in Russia could be a substitute – but also a traditional route in Germany.
The Chinese government has been fighting the spread of the corona virus since late December. More than 500 people have now died from the disease in mainland China. Due to the danger, the first sports events have already been canceled, including the Grand Prix of the Formula E electric racing series, which would have taken place in Sanya, China, on March 21.
As the spread of the virus has so far not been stopped, the Chinese government expanded the quarantine zone on Tuesday from the city of Wuhan to the neighboring province of Shanghai. Shanghai of all places, where Formula 1 is scheduled to start on April 19 for its fourth race.
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“We couldn’t send anyone there at the moment”
As Formula 1 announced, the automobile association FIA has a very close eye on the local situation. “According to the current events and according to the recommendations of the British Department of State, we are closely monitoring the situation on site with the FIA and the promoters,” said the press office of the racing series at t-online.de’s request.
As Red Bull team boss Christian Horner confirmed on the sidelines of a media event in London, the Formula 1 racing teams are even discussing a possible cancellation or relocation of the Grand Prix on Wednesday. “At the moment we could not send anyone there because nobody would get there,” the Brit told “Motosport.com” plain text. However, he believed in a solution and said: “I am sure that you will take the necessary care before you decide to postpone or cancel the race.”
Postponement or cancellation, these currently seem to be the two options of Formula 1 in view of the crisis situation in the Middle Kingdom. According to “Motorsport-Total.com”, a curious rumor recently circulated in the racing scene: According to this, the race in Shanghai could switch places with the 17th race of the season in Sochi (Russia) on September 27. On the one hand, China would have more time to get the virus under control, and Formula 1 would have 22 races on the calendar.
However, according to the Russian news agency Tass, these ideas were rejected by the Russian promoters because they are not interested in this Grand Prix exchange. The background could be clear: five months less time for organization – and for ticket sales. Alexey Titov, chief promoter of the Grand Prix made it clear: “The date for the Russia Grand Prix 2020 was set in October of last year and will not change.”
The traditional Hockenheim route does not want to get involved
While race tracks in Asia are being discussed, one of the traditional Formula 1 racetracks is available for use, namely the Hockenheimring in Germany. Last year, the race on the track in the Eiffel offered one of the biggest spectacles of the season: In the pouring rain, Ferrari star Sebastian Vettel raced from the last row to second place at his home Grand Prix. The many spectators then turned upside down and celebrated the Heppenheimer on the podium after the race. The location could also make sense because the Grand Prix in Zandvoort (Netherlands) is scheduled two weeks later. In contrast to China, this would significantly shorten the travel routes for teams and drivers.
At the last race in Hockenheimring 2019, drove from the last place on the podium: Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel. (Source: HochZwei / imago images)
Although the organizers at the Hockenheimring recorded high visitor numbers last year, the financing of a race for this year could not be secured. The background: The high entry costs that Formula 1 demands from the organizers. Nothing has changed in this starting position, according to the management of the Hockenheimring.
“Even if the logistical prerequisites are in place, it would be extremely challenging from a sales point of view and necessary marketing measures to get a successful Grand Prix up and running in such a short time,” the press office told the circuit on request. “Apart from that, the economic framework was the main reason for the failure to conclude an F1 follow-up contract.” Furthermore, they expressly do not want to get into the game, since the scenario “Hockenheim replaces Shanghai” is considered to be very unrealistic.
Race cancellation could please drivers and teams
The teams, drivers and fans have to wait for a decision at the China Grand Prix – whether cancellation or postponement. Drivers and teams would even be happy about one less race this year with a total of 22 races around the world. So you could treat yourself to a rest during the season.
Ferrari driver Vettel would certainly not mind. “Personally, I would like to go back to 16 races, I always thought that was a good number,” he complained last October about the many races during a year. “I think 21 is already tough,” agreed his rival, world champion Lewis Hamilton. The six-time world champion criticized above all the distortion of competition and the high travel expenses of those involved. Appropriately, he added: “The season is already too long.”
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