Melbourne 12 March 2020
The first weekend of the Formula 1 World Championship got underway against the backdrop of concerns about the coronavirus, especially in Europe and the USA. Yesterday, Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc had already tackled the usual track walk to get their first look at the Albert Park circuit.
SEBASTIAN'S WORDS
On Thursday, both drivers met the media, with Sebastian taking part in the official FIA press conference.
He said: “I don’t think there is any driver who doesn’t like Australia and this track, which is quick even though it’s a street circuit. It will be the first chance we have to see what the real hierarchy is among the teams”. However the atmosphere is a bit different to usual. “There are fewer people”, reckoned Seb, “and people are reacting differently to the threat in terms of what it means to us. There are a few less handshakes, a bit more hand sanitising, but we’re here. A lot of sports events have been cancelled around the world and many people are asking if it’s right to go on and race. I think we have to put our trust in the FIA, in Formula 1 and the Australian authorities. If they say the way is clear to go ahead with the event then it is right to do so”, concluded the German, who is about to start his 14th Formula 1 season.
ABOUT SF1000
As for the SF1000, Sebastian confirmed that it had felt good in testing: “It’s definitely a step forward in many areas compared to last year’s car, but that probably goes for all the other teams. Winter testing is not representative and I think we will only have a really clear picture of where we stand on Saturday in qualifying”.
Comments