Christian Horner, Red Bull Formula 1 team principal, was one of those who had wanted to go ahead with Australian Grand Prix despite the global health crisis.
He admitted that the decision was frustrating for him but simultaneously necessary for people’s safety.
Australian GP was halted when McLaren announced first Formula 1 Corona case. A team-member of McLaren F1 was tested positive of Convid-19 which forced a meeting between F1 and bosses of all teams.
Future course of action was decided by team bosses voting. Australian GP cancellation was enacted after an initial draw with 5:5 votes following another voting ruling in for cancellation.
Reportedly, Red Bull and Mercedes voted against cancellation. But Toto Wolff talk with group bosses resulted in change of decision and leading to cancellation.
Final decision was announces just before first practice of the Australian GP.
“It’s obviously frustrating,” Horner told Crash.net.
“The situation globally is changing hour-by-hour and day-by-day.
“When we arrived in Australia the intention was to go racing but unfortunately following the positive test of a person within the paddock the decision was made to cancel the event.
“Ultimately the safety and wellbeing of staff, the fans and the paddock is hugely important.”
Horner admitted voting against cancellation and also shared insight how the decision was made.
“We were minded to monitor the situation,” he said.
“The local health authority was giving the go-ahead for the event, the FIA were giving the go-ahead.
“There was a majority that were in favour of running and doing more screening in the event of any more outbreaks.
“That obviously changed following the meeting with teams changing position so the promoter had no choice but to cancel the event.”
Following Convid-19 outbreak, F1 has been unable to start any race this season. Similarly, many sport seasons have been either delayed or cancelled.
F1 is likely to hold races after summer break after settling down CONVID-19