How Have the Formula One Drivers Spent Their Coronavirus Break

Under normal circumstances, Formula One would be heading to its next destination on the 2020 calendar. However, the coronavirus pandemic has put paid to that and delayed the start of the season. So, the drivers have to find a way to entertain themselves until the hiatus ends

So, while the coronavirus pandemic continues to terrorise F1 and other sports, what have the drivers been up to? All 20 drivers found themselves taking an impromptu extended vacation after the first four rounds of the 2020 season got called off.

The campaign is set to commence at the end of May at the very earliest. So, with two months to kill, the Formula One stars have to try and cope without real life racing.

Following the cancelation of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton opted to remain in Melbourne for an extended spell and got in some sporting activities in the process.

What all shenanigans did the Formula One drivers get upto?

With no qualifying in Melbourne, Lewis Hamilton satisfied his inner adrenaline junkie when he went indoor rock climbing. He soon followed it up by catching a few waves at one of Australia’s surf parks.

Aside from the fun, the six-time world champion took part in a social media initiative called the #SafeHands challenge. Here, celebrities filmed themselves washing their hands and nominated other celebrities. The idea is to spread awareness among the people in order to help combat the coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris took to the Albert Park Circuit for a race. The difference was that they were racing in the virtual world as they took part in Esports races.

A mix of professional gamers and real-world racing drivers from the likes of F1, IndyCar, Formula E and many others joined in. Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also took part and had plenty of fun in his Racing Point car.

Verstappen took part in an ‘All-star Esports battle’ and fought his way up to 11th. On the other hand, Norris claimed sixth place in the ‘Not the Aus GP’ race organised by Veloce Esports and streamed live across Twitter and YouTube.