F1 Chinese Grand Prix to be Cancelled in the Wake of the Coronavirus Outbreak

Over the past month, the world has been on tenterhooks, owing to the coronavirus outbreak in China. Initially, everything started off with a case in the Wuhan area, before it spread, in spite of a quarantine. It then got to a stage where the quarantine developed into a country-wide one. As a result, the Chinese government suspended all motorsport activities in the country. In other words, there will be no Chinese Grand Prix this season.

Already, the Formula E race in Sanya is being delayed, with a vague hope of returning in the near future. However, Formula One may not want to take any chances with anyone’s health on the line and will likely cancel the race. With that, the 22-race calendar will most likely be chopped down to 21.

What other options are there for the Chinese Grand Prix?

Initially, there were rumours that the Chinese Grand Prix and the Russian Grand Prix could be swapped. However, there would be the issue of the logistics, namely transporting all the equipment from Hanoi to Russia in the span of two weeks.

In addition to that, it would be unfair for fans who booked and paid for Russian Grand Prix tickets scheduled for October. Having to reschedule everything and pay once again would burn continent-sized holes in their pockets.

On the other hand, the teams, who feared a packed calendar will be breathing sighs of relief. Already, 21 races put a lot of logistical strain, and the thought of 22 races would be nightmarish.

However, it is easy to  sympathise with the Chinese people’s plight, as the virus is continuing to lash out. There have also been a number of fatalities every day and the toll is rising. Hopefully, a cure for this epidemic can be found quickly, for the sake of the Chinese citizens, as well as others who have been affected