Coronavirus: Hamilton “shocked” that Melbourne is maintained

He released his words like he slams timed laps in qualifying: without embellishment but with precision. 

While the majority of players in the paddock hide behind the recommendations of the FIA ​​and Liberty Media, Lewis Hamilton did not hesitate to share his thoughts on how the governing bodies of the F1 reacted to the Coronavirus pandemic. 

« The trip to Australia went well even if naturally you find yourself at the airport with a lot of people, confided the pilot Mercedes during the traditional Thursday press conference. I took as many precautions as possible by limiting contact and using hydroalcoholic gel. 

Now I'm very, very surprised that we're all here. It's great to have car races but I find it shocking that we're all sitting in this room. There were already a lot of fans at the circuit today. It seems like the rest of the world is reacting. We learned this morning that Donald Trump had banned flights from Europe, we see that the NBA has suspended its regular season. 

I saw Sir Jackie Stewart this morning. He certainly looked in good shape. I saw elderly people when I arrived in the paddock. We are a big circus so there is reason to be worried. This is a source of concern for me. ».

« Money is king » 

The paddock is currently awaiting a series of COVID-19 screenings carried out on at least 5 team members (4 at Haas, 1 at McLaren) after they showed flu symptoms. 

Information about the time frame within which the verdict will be known is contradictory to say the least. Haas and McLaren said results would be available this Thursday afternoon, while other sources speak of a 5-day period.

« As if by chance, Hamilton quipped, referring to this 5-day delay which brings us just after the race. Called again to find out the reason which justified according to him the continuation of the event, the Briton responded straight away

« Money is king, whispered Hamilton. Honestly I don't know anything about it. I don't want to hide my opinion either. We are here and I hope everyone takes precautions by being careful, when touching doors for example. 

I hope everyone uses hand sanitizer. I hope the fans are paying attention. When I arrived at the circuit, I had the impression that everything was normal, but the situation was not. I hope the weekend goes by without any deaths. ". Raw and strong words that contrast with the lukewarm responses heard so far.

Discomfort

By his side, Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari), Daniel Ricciardo (Renault), and the rookie Nicholas latifi (Williams) appeared embarrassed when it came to discussing the elephant in the room. Perhaps anxious to preserve his national meeting, the Australian was the most evasive. 

« I have to trust the FIA ​​and the FOM, said Ricciardo. We all have our opinions but at the end of the day I'm a Formula 1 driver and I'm here to race. I don't have much to add on the subject. Some people monitor developments very closely and pass on instructions. 

Perhaps a little selfishly, I came here with a competitive mindset. I trained as usual. I received a few emails with recommendations but didn't give them full attention. We do not know the extent of the phenomenon, but I am well aware that it exists. Afterwards, the competitor that I am is happy to be there ". But what does the man think?