Formula 1, the most international sporting series and a true global world championship, postponed the start of the 2020 season, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne was cancelled after a McLaren team member tested positive for the coronavirus and follows the earlier postponement of the Chinese GP, as well as the first-ever Vietnamese Grand Prix & the long-standing Bahrain GP. Sadly, it appears doubtful that the always enjoyable and popular Australian GP can be rescheduled this year.

Formula 1 management issued a statement stating that they hope they can get the season underway in Europe at the end of May. But of course this will be dependent on the status of the participating countries, as the viral outbreak continues to rapidly spread across that continent. F1’s decision follows those of NASCAR to interrupt their season and IndyCar to postpone the start of their championship, which was also scheduled for this weekend in St. Petersburg, Florida. There are also interruptions to IMSA racing, which moved the 12 Hours of Sebring to November, as well as Moto GP and Australian Supercars. Elite motorsport has now joined essentially all major sporting events and leagues worldwide in suspending, cancelling or postponing events in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 by limiting large gatherings and practicing social distancing.

Formula 1’s complete statements on delaying their 2020 campaign can be read here via Formula1.com. Driver reaction is here. When racing resumes we’ll certainly let you know. In the meantime stay safe and wishing you the best of luck & good health wherever you may be.