Bernie Ecclestone Says F1 Was Too Slow in Reacting to Coronavirus Threat

Some drivers left Melbourne before fans and media even knew that the Australian Grand Prix had been canceled.

Retired Formula 1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone says that the current series officials took too long to react to the worldwide coronavirus crisis that ultimately led to the cancelation of the F1 Australian Grand Prix.

After a McLaren team member tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday, most insiders assumed that cancelation of the season opening Australian Grand Prix was the only possible solution. However, if the decision was made quickly, it took several hours to filter down to the media and fans.

Decisions were reportedly made internally but not announced. Drivers Sebastian Vettel (pictured above) and Kimi Raikkonen got on a 6 a.m. flight out of Melbourne, while spectators were left locked outside the Albert Park race venue.

“The problem was that they didn’t do anything for too long,” Ecclestone, at his coffee farm in Brazil, told European media outlet Auto Bild when asked about F1’s actions.

The 89-year-old Ecclestone thinks the delay in announcing the cancelation was because the FIA, Liberty Media and the Victorian government were arguing about financial liability.

“It’s always down to the one who officially canceled it in the end,” Ecclestone said. “Whoever it is has to take responsibility, also financially. Apparently nobody wanted to do that.”

According to Autoweek’s Joe Saward, the question of who calls off the race is important, as insurance will only be paid out if the state government makes the move rather than the FIA or F1.

Source: Autoweek