Unfortunately, the coronavirus is causing some problems for China. Not only do they have to deal with the infected and find solutions for this epidemic, but they are also seeing their economy, especially the stock market, battered. All this is affecting sports, as the Asian country has been forced to suspend some important events.
El Chinese Formula 1 GP is another of those affected. They were evaluating being able to modify the date and delay it until they see if they can contain the virus and the danger of infection decreases. But the truth is that Russia has already refused to change the date of its race to make room for the Chinese GP. Faced with this refusal of the Russian country, China had little chance.
And to top it off, now it has arrived another bad news for this sporting event. So if not corrected, the China GP and F1 2020 could be off the calendar and not take place. We'll see what the FIA and Liberty Media do, but the calendar that had grown can be seen diminished.
The F1 Strategy Group has tried to change it, but alternative dates they have not liked the teams that have also opposed. Therefore, I also disagree with the teams. Except for last minute surprises, right now there is no uncertainty, everything indicates that it is not going to be held. It is expected to be cancelled, the Shanghai Federation will suspend all sporting events in the city until the end of the coronavirus.
Ross Brawn said that they analyzed two alternatives for the date of the Chinese GP and its relocation. But neither one worked. One was to celebrate it right after the Hungarian GP, on August 9. The teams opposed this because they were not sure that the coronavirus would be controlled at that time. The other option was to make the Chinese GP the penultimate race, between the Brazilian GP and the Abu Dhabi GP, but it was logistically tough for the teams to finish three races in a row.