Cancellation of the Australian GP: Brawn explains the late decision

Between confirmation of a positive coronavirus case at McLaren et the cancellation of the Australian GP, officials needed 12 hours to make a decision. The announcement came only a few hours before the start of the first free practice and most of the paddock had already returned to the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne, expecting to see the weekend continue.

Ross Brawn, Motor Sports Director of Liberty Media, explained the delay taken by officials.

“We had to take all this time because we had to consult with the teams, the medical authorities, the FIA, the promoters… We spent the whole night there. I was at the restaurant last night when I heard the news and immediately came back. It took a while just to get the teams together. I think we did a good job of bringing everyone together. We couldn't make a decision on the fly, there were many factors to take into account. It was a very stressful time and I think we did a good job finding a solution in 12 hours. »

The Motor Sports Director of the owners of the F1 also returned to the choice of having wanted to maintain the Australian GP while the Covid-19 pandemic continued to progress.

“We chose to go to Australia 3 or 4 weeks before the race, the situation was very differenthe recalled. It's a great event to start the season and we wanted to go there. The event has a significant economic impact on the region. The whole world was surprised by the speed of spread of the virus and the exponential number of cases recorded. No one could have anticipated this. I have been in discussions with Mattia Binotto (the team principal) of Ferrari and things have really gotten worse this last week in Italy. »

“We wanted to remain optimistic heading into the start of the season despite these difficult times. However, a staff member of one team became infected and the team could no longer race. We had a problem to solve.", he added.

While 14 people who were in contact with the infected person must remain in quarantine, F1 is now considering whether to hold its next races. The Bahrain GP scheduled for next weekend and the Vietnam scheduled for April 5 could also be canceled.

“I have never experienced this in my career, admitted Ross Brawn. We have experienced financial crises and tragedies, but a situation of this magnitude is massive. We wanted to start the season despite the situation, but we had to be realistic. This will have a definite impact on the teams and our organization. The public will have to show tolerance. The teams are well placed to know that these measures are necessary. »

F1 is far from being the only championship impacted. All motorsport categories are affected with postponements and cancellations in the calendars.