Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix in Doubt as Authorities Outlaw Public Gatherings

The coronavirus epidemic continues to wreak havoc across the world, with several countries being affected. According to the latest developments, Kuwait urged citizens to avoid traveling and potentially spreading the virus. Furthermore, there are chances that the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix could be sorely affected.

Fortunately, the health ministry reported that Bahrain has not registered any new cases over the past 24 hours. However, they are not willing to be complacent and take any chances.

Furthermore, the Bahrain Interior Ministry threatened legal action against Iranian travelers. This is directed at untested travelers entering the country. In addition to that, there is a ban on public gatherings for the next two weeks.

In order to curb the virus, the country grounded all flights, especially to and from Iran. This is because most of their cases originated from there. Iran is actually the worst affected nation aside from China, and their death toll has risen to 34.

The country also reported around 388 cases of the virus, and some fear that the number may rise.

How will the Bahrain Grand Prix be affected?

However, Formula One CEO Chase Carey insists that the Bahrain Grand Prix will go ahead as scheduled. He declared, “We’re headed to Melbourne, heading to Bahrain and heading to Hanoi.”

On the other hand, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is hugely concerned. He knows that flying to Bahrain via Dubai is out of question. This is because the Bahrain authorities grounded all flights from Dubai.

Horner also expressed concern about the Honda engineers who will work with his team and sister team, AlphaTauri. He wondered if they could fly back to Japan. Even more importantly, can they step onto Australian shores.

Whatever the case, every team will suffer huge hits when the season kicks off. Although Liberty Media is confident that things will go off without a hitch, the teams themselves, are not too sure.