Mayor São Paulo: "Brazilian Grand Prix could have gone on."

According to Bruno Covas, mayor of São Paulo, the cancellation of the Brazilian Grand Prix was not necessary at all. Even though he has respect for the decision, he thinks his city would have been perfectly capable of organising a race.

That's what he says at a press conference on the occasion of the Formula 1 decision to draw a line through all races in America this year. "Our national and regional health authorities have developed a protocol for racing events. We see no obstacles to organize the Grand Prix, as long as it is without fans. The race at Interlagos could have gone ahead."

Brazil has been hit hard by the coronavirus, just like the United States. The two western countries are among the hardest hit in the world. For Max Verstappen, the absence of Brazil on the calendar is a major loss. Last season he took off with the victory.