Sebastian Vettel has said it could come down to Formula 1 drivers forcing the cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix this weekend, if the situation worsens.
Currently the race is going ahead as planned, although some measures have been put in place such as limiting fan access to drivers through the cancellation of autograph sessions, plus limited media duties.
Lewis Hamilton said he was “very shocked” that the race was going ahead and on Thursday the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) released a statement saying it trusts any recommendations from health officials.
However Vettel has said he and fellow drivers could “pull the handbrake” on the race going ahead if the current situation worsens over the next couple of days.
“I hope others would agree, and we hope it doesn’t get that far, but if it were to get that far then for sure you pull the handbrake,” said the Ferrari driver.
“I think we are a group of 20 guys and I think we’ve got together over the last years for various circumstances on various topics, and I think we share common opinion on big decisions and that.
“I would qualify it is a very, very big decision and ultimately, as I said before, you look at yourself. And we would, I think, be mature enough to look after ourselves and pull the handbrake in that case.”
Currently five team members are undergoing tests for coronavirus after showing symptoms, and if they prove positive, will be placed in isolation for a period of two weeks.