Corona curve determines season start Formula 1

The plan is to start the first race of this season in Austria on July 5th. The Red Bull Ring, the Austrian government and Formula 1 are all in favour of it and are working together to make it a reality. However, nothing is certain yet, as the coronavirus is the unpredictable factor that should not be forgotten.

Relaxation

In several countries, the measures are being relaxed and it is hoped that the number of infections will decrease or at least remain stable. Relaxation also creates the risk that the infections will increase again and then people will be back to square one. This can also have unpleasant consequences in Austria.

If the curve of infections rises again, a race in Austria can no longer be justified and that is what Fritz Enzinger warns against. The Austrian motorsport manager of Volkswagen says at Kleine Zeitung: "The decisive factor will be whether the new infections are kept under control despite the relaxation.

"If there is a dramatic increase in new infections, there is no need to talk about Formula 1 or football. In the end, the most important thing is health".

Risks

Organising a race without an audience with various safety measures still involves risks for the organising country. Enzinger: "Even if there is no public, the international Formula 1 event will still happen. The question then is: how up-to-date are the health certificates? If they are issued before departure, who guarantees that people won't be infected at the airport?"

He may sound a bit pessimistic, but at the same time he does address the risks. So it is still questionable whether the season can really start on July 5th. Waiting is the only answer to that question, but to conclude in a somewhat positive way, a start in Austria is a good signal for motorsport.

Nevertheless: "You shouldn't forget: In many countries, like Central America, the corona crisis has only just begun. At the moment it is impossible to predict when races can be held again with the presence of an audience".