F1 drivers go full throttle to stop race

PRESSURE from drivers forced Formula One bosses to make the unprecedented call to cancel the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

Following confusion over the race’s status before yesterday’s practice, organisers called off the F1 season-opener at 9am, saying it was based on an update received from the State Government’s chief health officer.

“I want to express our disappointment on behalf of the fans,” F1 chief executive Chase Carey said.

“(But) in many ways this is an unprecedented situation. I have never lived through anything like this.

“You have to digest (information) and make the decision you think is right, and I think we did here.”

Leading drivers including six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton told F1 bosses to pull the pin over health fears at a Thursday meeting.

They did not want to take part following the McLaren team’s withdrawal after one of their mechanics tested positive for the coronavirus.

It is believed the mechanic came into contact with up to 14 members of his team.

Only Red Bull, AlphaTauri and Racing Point indicated they were still keen to race.

But some of the sport’s biggest names refused to compete, with former world champions Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen believed to have flown out by the time the race was officially called off.

Hamilton put pressure on officials with his scathing criticism of F1’s handling of the situation, saying it was “shocking” the event was taking place amid health fears.

His Mercedes team upped the ante by releasing a statement yesterday requesting the race’s cancellation before organisers pulled the pin.