The global coronavirus pandemic has been running rampant, even to a stage where Italy had to be locked down. However, Red Bull advisor, Helmut Marko believes that the situation is being portrayed “hysterically”.

On one hand, the entire world has been brought almost to a standstill. The FIA wisely chose to postpone the Chinese Grand Prix. In addition to that, the Bahrain Grand Prix will be held behind closed doors. Finally, a giant question mark has been stamped on Vietnam’s ability to host its inaugural race.

Luckily, Formula 1 has responded to the fears and it doing its part to combat the pandemic. The sport banned “all non-essential travel” and have set up “quarantine points” at the F1 tracks.

The bad news is that the Italian government has placed the country in lockdown, fuelling much panic. So, getting the teams from Europe to Australia has been a Herculean challenge.

Speaking to Speedweek, Helmut Mark admitted, “The situation in Australia seems to be quite normal. Bahrain has never had many spectators, but that event is not a problem either.”

“I think we have to make a statement. This virus, which by no means has the danger that is being hysterically portrayed, can destroy public life.”

Helmut Marko is not too worried

Surprisingly, the Austrian insisted that the Italian lockdown is not a major issue. This is because, the Ferrari, AlphaTauri, Pirelli and Brembo staff have been permitted to travel.

He revealed that special permission is required, and quite quickly. Marko then revealed that most of the Alpha Tauri crew already reached Australian soil.

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The former F1 racer believes the whole saga has been blown out of proportion. He insisted that it is just like a flu and most of the victims are people dying of old age with pre-existing diseases.

“Look up how many people get the flu each year,” Marko continued. “The problem is the quarantine. The danger of the disease is no worse than the flu.

“We need to counter the scaremongering of the politicians and not support them. We need to think positively and assume that the grands prix will go ahead fairly normally.”