Whilst it has been a fairly quiet week in the world of F1, we once again bring you a roundup of the biggest stories of the past week.
From circuits pulling together in the battle against Coronavirus to fresh doubt over the Dutch Grand Prix plus more, F1 continues to provide plenty of talking points throughout this difficult time so here a full selection of the important news to occur this week.
Circuits Assist in Fight against Coronavirus
BIC has designed a breathing apparatus for non-ICU patients in need of respiratory assistance.
Full story here: https://t.co/hYH57dAZYh pic.twitter.com/kS1IBIVw34— Bahrain Int. Circuit (@BAH_Int_Circuit) April 20, 2020
Bahrain, Silverstone and Melbourne are now contributing to the fight against Coronavirus in different ways, as they seek to help their countries overcome the current pandemic which has plunged many parts of the world into lockdown.
Mechanical Engineers at Bahrain International Circuit are designing breathing devices for Coronavirus patients who need respiratory assistance, but aren’t in intensive care and the blueprint are freely available for organisations across the world.
Silverstone have made their medical centre facilities available for the use of local NHS services, including four ambulances and medical intervention cars amongst other facilities.
Melbourne are also doing their bit locally by transferring their medical centre to a local hospital, thereby helping the state of Victoria treat more patients.
Dutch Grand Prix in Further Doubt whilst Austria looks likely
The return of the Dutch Grand Prix this season is now in further doubt after the Dutch Government announced an extension to lockdown rules until at least 1 September.
The race’s Sporting Director, Jan Lammers has therefore conceded that its very unlikely “that this year will still be possible,” in an interview with De Telegraff although he admitted that they will “wait and see what possibilities are still offered to us…”
Austria meanwhile look set to host a double headed season opener behind closed doors with the season opening race on Sunday 5 July, before a second race either three days later in midweek or the following Sunday on 12 July.
Red Bull advisor – Helmut Marko is also keen for the full support package of F2, F3 and Porsche Supercup to attend, in order for young drivers to be assessed for any potential F1 moves next year.
Grosjean Blasts Internet Trolls
Haas’ Romain Grosjean has this week blasted internet trolls for “painful” comments as athletes continue to battle online abuse.
Speaking to Will Buxton in a F1 Instagram Live session, Grosjean admitted that it isn’t always easy to read social media comments and that he had “… been through different phrases,” when dealing with online abuse.
He also acknowledged that trolling is “… also part of social media.” but that he likes it “when people [comment], if it’s in a good way and they face you and they say this is not good, [that] is not good’, and you can explain and talk.”
Grosjean however went on to compare himself to an oyster, saying; “I’m kind of happy that either people like me or people don’t like me. If you have the charisma of an oyster, people don’t care,”
News Snippets
- Charles Leclerc has revealed to F1.com that he “would be happy” to have Sebastian Vettel as his teammate at Ferrari next season, if the German opts to sign a new contract.
- Red Bull has launched a #ParkitUp at Home challenge where the aim to put a virtual version of this year’s car in the coolest or weirdest place around your home.
- FIA have added a safeguarding clause to the FIA Sporting Code, allowing the modification of regulations with a shorter notice period and agreement of majority of teams in each individual series under FIA regulations.
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