Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel has revealed that the drivers would be willing to stop the Australian Grand Prix if the coronavirus situation worsens. The sport waited with bated breath while the team personnel who showed symptoms of the virus, were examined. Sadly, one person tested positive and resulted in the McLaren team pulling out.
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According to the Australian health chiefs, if any team has an infected staff member, they will be put in quarantine. In addition to that, it could also increase the chances of the race being called off. To that end, Vettel insists that if things escalated, the drivers would take a stand and call for the race to be abandoned.
“I hope others would agree, and we hope it doesn’t get that far, but if it were to get that far then for sure you pull the handbrake,” said the German.
“I think we are a group of 20 guys and I think we’ve got together over the last years for various circumstances on various topics, and I think we share common opinion on big decisions and that.
Sebastian Vettel knows that F1 is in a tough spot
The 4-time world champion is aware that it is a difficult decision. Ultimately, drivers and teams have to look out for themselves, their teams and the fans. Furthermore, the drivers have been coordinating with the F1 bosses on the best way to deal with the situation.
The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), also wanted some assurance. They feared that the virus could be transmitted between fans and drivers. This explains why Melbourne has disallowed autograph sessions and close contact events.
In a statement, the GPDA urged the paddock to work together in this trying time. The association assured that they trust the Australian health authorities, the FIA, F1 and the teams. They, as much as anyone, wish to safeguard the health, welfare and safety of fans, officials, drivers and wider communities.
The statement continued, “The GPDA has been in contact with F1 and FIA throughout last week. We know they are working hard and thoroughly on this challenging task.”
“We are all in this together and no one takes this situation lightly. But [we] feel the responsibility falls on everyone, the locals as well as us global travellers, to be especially vigilant and cautious in these difficult times the coronavirus pandemic brings upon us all.”
