Reuters
Formula One F1 – Russian Grand Prix – Sochi Autodrom, Sochi, Russia – Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton during qualifying. Pool via REUTERS/Yuri Kochetkov
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Russian Grand Prix – Sochi Autodrom, Sochi, Russia – Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton during qualifying. Pool via REUTERS/Yuri Kochetkov
Managing to have a near-full season scheduled, despite the pandemic, was a case of exemplary organization by the FIA. Credit must be given for the measures they have implemented, ensuring the utmost safety of teams and drivers. However, every now and then it is only natural for a COVID case to arise. This time the victim is a team personnel from Mercedes F1.
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As per a report by RaceFans, “A spokesperson for Mercedes confirmed a positive case has occurred within its race team and is being handled in accordance with FIA protocols.”
Although this is not an isolated case, considering 10 out of 1822 personnel had been tested positive prior to the Russian Grand Prix, the cause for concern is much higher this time around.
The reason being that this case concerns a member of the racing team and not one of the extra personnel F1 teams travel along with.
However, early indications are that everything is under control and there is no reason to panic. Neither of the drivers, Lewis Hamilton or Valtteri Bottas, have been affected. So, expect the Eifel Grand Prix on the 11th of October to continue as scheduled.
Depending on the severity of the infection, the said team member could return in time for the next race in Portugal, on the 25th of October.
Mercedes looking for a much-improved showing this time around in Germany
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Russian Grand Prix – Sochi Autodrom, Sochi, Russia – Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton during practice REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov/Pool
The previous race in Germany was definitely one to forget for the reigning champions. Having arrived for their home Grand Prix with much pomp and celebration, things quickly turned for the worse. The end result was a total of just two points achieved from a nightmare of a weekend.
This time, however, the venue is different. Heck, it’s not even called the German Grand Prix. Moreover, there is no Netflix crew shadowing the team around. That should give Mercedes several reasons to be optimistic this year.
Despite the odds of a Mercedes 1-2 being quite high (as you’d expect), winning the race is not a given. We have seen plenty of drama in 2020 thus far. And if the weather satellites are right, we could be in for one hell of a race in Nurburg.
Also Read: F1 2020 Eifel Grand Prix Weather Predictions Reveal a Pretty Exciting Race for Fans
