Update: Russia will not offer to swap dates with China amid Coronavirus trouble

Coronavirus is one of the biggest talking points around the world at this moment. Several sporting events in the coming months have been cancelled including Formula E, Golf and Snooker. Formula 1 are due to visit Shanghai in April for the Chinese Grand Prix, but that is looking in doubt. Over 300 people have already been killed by the virus which is thought to have originated in Wuhan, just over 500 miles away from Shanghai. 

Formula E have cancelled their race in Sanya, and F1 is likely to do the same. With 22 races on the schedule, it would be near impossible to reschedule the event. Speed Week yesterday reported that the Chinese Grand Prix could swap with the Russian Grand Prix which takes place in late September. However, a spokesperson for the Russian Grand Prix has confirmed this won't happen. 

"The date for the 2020 Russian GP was set in October last year and isn't changing. At the moment, we couldn't send anyone because they couldn't get there. Look, the FIA is the regulator, the Liberty is the promoter. They are responsible for the health and well being of not just the drivers in F1, but all the staff and all the travelling members of the media," the spokesman told Autosport. 

“And I’m sure they’ll take the necessary due diligence before making any commitment about either delaying or postponing or cancelling the race. So we have to trust their judgement 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.”

With this change being ruled out, it virtually leaves Formula 1 with no real option other than cancel the event.