Marko Hanželic
While heads of government in most European countries currently sending their population to second corona lockdown, are in charge of Formula 1 confident that the remaining four races of the season in Turkey (November 15), Bahrain (December 29 and 6) and v Abu Dhabi (December 13) can be performed on schedule.
"The lockdowns we have now in Europe are very different from the ones we had in the spring," the real boss of the Mercedes team Toto wolff. At that time, virtually all activities, including industry, were discontinued, while measures now focus mainly on leisure to prevent the collapse of the economy.
In any case, restrictions on movement in countries where individual factories are located are less of a problem than possible seasonal restrictions on international air transport. If, for example, the government in London decided to travel with Middle East they are no longer allowed to enter the country (or vice versa), significant complications can occur.
Formula 1 Commission Meeting in Portimao: No Plan B
O situation regarding covid-19 were also discussed on Monday at a meeting of the Formula 1 Commission v Portimão. However there is no concrete plan B., if the remaining races are canceled due to policy measures. “We don’t know if we can all race. Of course, the health issue is at the forefront, ” emphasizes Wolff.
At least from the side British government, whose decisions directly affect seven out of ten teams, there are currently no restrictions to prevent them from going to the remaining Formula 1 calendar. Not even about returning after races.
In the worst case scenario, if measures were to be tightened further, team members would have to go to quarantine. After a long and hard season, this would be anything but welcome - but still only a minor sacrifice that teams would have to demand from their employees.
All planning for the future it is impossible in the current situation. The number of infections has long since reached exponential growth and practically exploded. Health systems across Europe are at risk of overload. If the measures failed, they would be further tightening the next logical step. Sooner or later, that would mean canceling the remaining races.
Current status: 60.000 tests, but a total of 54 infections
So far, Formula 1 has been successful with its own the concept of "bubble" and numerous tests. Since the start of the pandemic, the F1 caravan has been done 60.000 tests. 54 virus infections were identified COVID-2. However, this does not include all Formula 1 staff, but only those employees who travel to the races.
"It's a dynamic situation," says the team director McLaren Andreas Seidl. “We have to respond day by day. Formula 1 teams are quite flexible, as we have to constantly adapt to new conditions. The British teams, however, are in the same boat. I am sure we will find a good solution to all the problems. ”
Z from an economic point of view it would be important for Formula 1 to break through at least 16 of the 17 planned races. That 's supposed to be magic number, above which adequate revenues from television contracts are provided. Less than 16 races would severely affect the income of the F1 commercial rights owner, the company Liberty Medium and teams.
