Reigning F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has spoken out against the fact this weekend's Australian Grand Prix is going ahead, given the situation in Australia and globally as a result of COVID-19 (coronavirus).
In the Thursday driver’s press conference, the Mercedes star spoke of his surprise that the gates were open at Albert Park, with seemingly all systems go ahead of the 25th running of the event in Melbourne, despite recent developments around the globe including the World Health Organisation’s declaration of a pandemic.
"I'm really very, very surprised that we're here. I don't think it's correct that we have races but for me it's shocking that we are sitting in this room,” said Hamilton.
“So many fans already here today and it seems like the rest of the world is reacting probably a little bit late.
“Already this morning you've seen Trump shut down the borders from Europe to the States, you're seeing the NBA has been suspended yet Formula 1 continues to go on.
“It's definitely concerning to me.”
At least five team members from the Haas and McLaren F1 teams have been tested for the virus after exhibiting symptoms, and remain in isolation in their hotel rooms awaiting results.
When asked if just one of those test results came back positive, if the event should be postponed or cancelled, the six time World Champion was more than a little cynical.
"I heard that results don't come back for five days...coincidence?”
"Cash is king....honestly I don't know."
Despite his objections to the event taking place, the British driver’s primary concerns were for the health and safety of the crowds at Albert Park.
"For the fans really I hope everyone takes precautions, because I was walking through and seeing everything going ahead as normal like it's a normal day… I really don't think it is."
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Hamilton’s rivals in Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel and Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo didn’t feel as strongly on the subject of COVID-19, indicating they had both put their faith in race organisers and governing body the FIA on the decision for the Albert Park event to go ahead.
"It's fair to ask yourself why are we here, but you have to trust the FIA and everybody to take precautions as much as they can,” said Vettel.
"I have to put my trust in the FIA,” said Ricciardo.
“We may all have opinions but at the end of the day I'm here to compete and race cars....I'm following guidelines and came here knowing we were going to compete. I've got my head down and focusing on the race.
"I know it's real, but as Seb touched on...we don't really know the extent of it, and how quickly it can spread, but it's left to the others for now.
"The racer in me is happy that I'm here for sure."