Coronavirus outbreak: Iconic Monaco GP gets canceled in F1 season
The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most iconic destinations in the world of Formula 1. It has been a glittering fixture in the world of motorsport calendar for 65 years. However, on Thursday, the race was cancelled as it became the latest event to fall victim to the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. Here's more on the same.
'The situation is no longer tenable'
The race was supposed to be held in May 24 and it got axed completely while the GP in the Netherlands and Spain got postponed. "The situation is no longer tenable," said a statement by the Automobile Club de Monaco. "After consideration as to the gravity of this crisis worldwide, it is with great sadness that the board of directors has taken this decision."
Many special moments have been seen in Monaco
It will be the first time since 1954 that there will be no Monaco Grand Prix. There have been some special moments at this venue. Ayrton Senna has been a six-time champion here, whereas, Michael Schumacher, victorious on five occasions have found a lot of glory. Lewis Hamilton won in Monaco in 2019 on his way to a sixth Drivers Championship title.
F1 season in a turmoil amid coronavirus outbreak
The cancellation of the Monaco GP and the postponements in the Netherlands and Spain also follow the cancellation of the season-opening Australian GP. Besides, the Chinese, Bahrain and Vietnam Grand Prix races have all been postponed. Meanwhile, the Dutch GP, which is due to return to the calendar for the first time since 1985, was set to be held at Zandvoort on May 3.
F1 and FIA issue joint statement
"Due to the ongoing and fluid nature of the COVID-19 situation globally, the FIA, Formula 1 and the three promoters have taken these decisions in order to ensure the health and safety of the travelling staff, championship participants and fans, which remains our primary concern," a joint statement from F1 and the FIA read.
More than 10,000 people have lost their lives
The coronavirus pandemic has caused a worldwide catastrophe with all sport being cancelled or postponed. The deadly virus has claimed more than 10,000-plus lives already with numbers increasing drastically day by day.
