HOW A CHAOTIC DAY UNFOLDED

10am (local time) THE Melbourne paddock is split on whether it makes sense for the race to go ahead. A vocal group want it postponed after news the previous day that three F1 personnel had been tested after displaying symptoms of coronavirus. 1pm Observers query why the test results are taking so long to be returned. F1 spokespeople claim it is because Melbourne medics are inundated with swab samples. Local promoter Andrew Westacott presses for the process to be sped up. 2pm McLaren say their unnamed mechanic, who has the only confirmed case so far, is getting better. 2.15pm British driver George Russell says he wants to race. He conducts his interviews two metres away from journalists behind a cordoned area in the paddock, as do all drivers as per instructions from F1 bosses. 4pm The FIA’s official press conference takes place. Lewis Hamilton breaks the mould by saying he is shocked the race is going ahead and urges fans to take care — to wash their hands etc. 4.30pm Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel says the drivers may strike if the situation escalates. 7pm McLaren grow frustrated by the failure of the medical people to confirm their mechanic’s results. 10.22pm McLaren confirm their mechanic has tested positive for coronavirus and issue a statement announcing they have withdrawn from the race. Sportsmail reports online that the race is almost certainly off. 11pm Team officials and F1 motorsport boss Ross Brawn meet to discuss if the grand prix can go ahead. 1.30am The meeting breaks up. 1.51am Sky Sports News correspondent Craig Slater, having spoken to a team principal at his hotel, reports that the race is on. 2.30am Sky backtrack and say that the race is off, a few minutes after Sportsmail had reported the same conclusive news.