Formula 1: Chinese Grand Prix’s future to be discussed amid outbreak

As the coronavirus outbreak spreads, Formula 1 owners and teams will meet in a strategy session to discuss the Chinese Grand Prix’s future.

The Chinese Grand Prix faces turmoil as Formula 1 teams are set to meet to decide the fate of the race amid concerns over the coronavirus outbreak.

The World Health Organization has classified the deadly virus as a world health emergency, with several countries having issued preventative measures to limit its spread. Formula 1 bosses and teams are having an emergency meeting today to discuss their next steps.

It’s understandable why an event bringing over a hundred thousand people from China and beyond raises many fears. Along with the fear of spreading the virus, race organizers have to consider the safety of the teams, media, and spectators.

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The Saturday, March 21 Formula E event in Sanya, China has already been abandoned with the potential of rescheduling it if the situation improves in the near future.

While the Formula 1 event is nearly a month later, there’s speculation that officials do not believe the situation in the country will have improved enough by the Sunday, April 19 race.

There were rumors that the Russian Grand Prix, scheduled for Sunday, September 27, could be swapped with the ill-fated Chinese Grand Prix.

However, Russian officials have since stated they will not approve the switch from their current spot on the calendar. This means, barring a new alternative, the race at Shanghai International Circuit would likely be canceled if it cannot be run on the scheduled date.

Christian Horner spoke to Autosport on the issue of staff safety.

"“Look, the FIA is the regulator, Liberty is the promoter. They are responsible for the health and wellbeing of not just the drivers in F1, but all the staff, and all of the traveling members of the media. And I’m sure they’ll take the necessary due diligence before making any commitment about either delaying or postponing or canceling the race. So we have to trust their judgment and their knowledge.“But of course, we keep a very close eye on the situation which will be on the agenda on Wednesday’s strategy meeting where we will get the next update.”"

For now, the fate of the Chinese Grand Prix, the fourth of the record-breaking 22 races on the 2020 Formula 1 schedule, hangs in the balance, but with the start of the season fast approaching, today’s strategy meeting may go a long way toward making a decisive plan.