Next weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix is in doubt after Red Bull revealed their team will return home following the cancellation of the Australian GP.
On Friday morning Melbourne time, Formula 1 bosses, along with the FIA and race organisers, decided to call off the race at Albert Park, after a member of the McLaren team tested positive for Coronavirus on Thursday.
It followed a long night of meetings and speculation over the event, with a majority of teams reportedly voting in favour of cancellation.
And after the official news broke, teams were quick to voice their support and disappointment that F1 was unable to start the 2020 season.
“ROKiT Williams Racing fully supports the decision taken by the FIA, Formula One and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation to cancel this weekend’s (13-15 March) 2020 FIA Formula One Australian Grand Prix,” a Williams statement read.
“Whilst the decision, taken after confirmation that a member of another team has tested positive for COVID-19, will sadly deprive the many loyal fans in Melbourne the chance to see the race, the safety of both every member of the team and the fans is absolutely the priority.”
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Renault echoed that sentiment, saying: “Renault DP World F1 Team acknowledges and fully supports the decision of F1 and the FIA to cancel the 2020 Australian Grand Prix.
“We are disappointed not to be able to race in front of the passionate Australian fans who have shown such support of our team and Daniel [Ricciardo], however the health and safety of our team members and the wider F1 community is of paramount importance.
“Our thoughts are also with our partner team, McLaren Racing as they deal with a confirmed case of COVID-19.”
It was Red Bull though who offered the most insight response as to where F1 goes from here.
“Following confirmation from Formula One, the FIA and AGPC that the Australian Grand Prix has been cancelled, and in light of the force majeure events we are experiencing with regards to the COVID-19 pandemic, the team’s focus now shifts to ensuring that all personnel return home as safely and quickly as possible and that all necessary precautions are taken in line with Government and World Health Organisation guidelines,” their statement read.
“We share the disappointment of Formula One fans, but the safety of the teams, fans, media and circuit staff remains of absolute priority. We now await further information from the FIA on the status of future races.”
There has been no word yet on the potential fallout for the Bahrain GP next weekend, which was already set to take place behind closed doors amid Coronavirus concerns.
But with Red Bull, and therefore AlphaTauri, signalling they will not be present and McLaren too now facing bigger challenges, others will likely follow soon.