Max in Australia: 'I'm trying to follow the Corona guidelines'
Published on 12 March 2020 by Stefan Meens
As the Corona virus continues to develop across the world, the Formula 1 paddock is cautious. Instead of the usual media huddle around the drivers, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen spoke to assembled press using a microphone and keeping the journalists at bay with a table.
“It’s not nice what is happening”, said Max. “I’m trying to follow the guidelines. I’m not a doctor so I’m trying to stick to the advice given. That is the best we can do. Info comes from Red Bull, the FIA and Formula 1. So that’s what we’re following. It’s about keeping your distance and washing your hands, the advice that’s given everywhere else. The interaction with the fans is obviously a lot less but I hope they understand. In the end, it’s better for them as well.”
Some of the measures taken to protect the paddock are the cancellation of the autograph sessions as well as the open television sessions. Instead, FOM will have one camera to conduct all the interviews, which will then be send to the broadcasters.
With several high-profile sporting events cancelled in the wake of Covid19, questions are raised how the 2020 F1 calendar will be affected. “I hope we can race all the Grands Prix, but it depends on the decisions from governments. We’ll have to wait and see”, said Max.
For the time being, the Australian Grand Prix is set to be contested this weekend. “There is a good vibe in the team, like last year. However, this time our targets are higher. We want to win and aim for the championship. I think as a team we can achieve that. But we have to wait and see how competitive we are at the start of the season; that’s crucial.”
Racing in Australia means an early start for fans watching in Europe. “If I didn’t have a karting event, I would always get up early and watch the race!”
Friday is forecast to be significantly warmer than Saturday and Sunday, with a chance of rain as well. “In the end, the circumstances will be the same for everyone. Of course, it will impact to car’s set-up because you learn less about the track. But for Friday the most important thing is to get a basic set-up ready”, concludes Max.
