What F1 drivers are getting up to amid coronavirus disruption
Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic which has caused widespread disruption to the world of sport and the 2020 Formula 1 World Championship, we take a look at what the drivers have been up to.
The 20 drivers have unexpectedly found themselves with some extra time on their hands after the opening four rounds of the 2020 F1 season in Australia, Bahrain, China and Vietnam were called off.
Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic which has caused widespread disruption to the world of sport and the 2020 Formula 1 World Championship, we take a look at what the drivers have been up to.
The 20 drivers have unexpectedly found themselves with some extra time on their hands after the opening four rounds of the 2020 F1 season in Australia, Bahrain, China and Vietnam were called off.
With the campaign now set to begin at the end of May at the very earliest, F1’s stars have face a minimum two-month period with no racing.
Here’s how they have been spending their time so far…
Hamilton takes to the waves
Following the cancelation of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton opted to stay out in Melbourne for an extended spell and got in some sporting activities in the process.
Instead of qualifying on Saturday, Hamilton went indoor rock climbing before catching the waves at one of Australia’s surf parks.
Making the best of the situation
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) March 15, 2020
Thanks to the guys at @urbnsurf for letting me spend my evenings practicing my surf and to @ripcurl for providing the wetsuits. It was a lot of fun catching waves with you
Until next time Melbourne. pic.twitter.com/BQxtp1oqjr
The six-time world champion also took part in a social media initiative in which celebrities are washing their hands to spread awareness amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus can make people nervous, but I want to reassure you all to stay calm. Don’t forget that handwashing is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and others. For official NHS advice visit: https://t.co/zH7Ce2dRAw #coronavirus #COVID19 @NHSuk pic.twitter.com/Gr1SGRK5FE
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) March 16, 2020
Verstappen and Norris race in Esports
Despite the Australian Grand Prix being cancelled, Max Verstappen and Lando Norris made sure they were still racing on Sunday, albeit in the virtual world as they took part in an Esports race online.
A mix of professional gamers and real-world racing drivers from the likes of F1 and IndyCar, with the American single-seater series’ calendar also ravaged by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Verstappen finished 11th in an ‘All-star Esports battle’, while Norris claimed sixth place in the ‘Not the Aus GP’ race organised by Veloce Esports and streamed live across Twitter and YouTube.
What about the rest?
Today was more about swimming than surfing but it was very fun ! By the way don't zoom on my face on the 1st pic, thank you pic.twitter.com/lOjvixP3nA
— Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) March 14, 2020
Remember to make the most out of every day and situation #VB77 @tiffanycromwell pic.twitter.com/jNXz0BpXmO
— Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) March 16, 2020
Be responsible and stay positive these days!#StayAtHome https://t.co/YRlgN7j92B
— Carlos Sainz (@Carlossainz55) March 17, 2020
I also wanted to send positive vibes to @McLarenF1 team & all the members that stayed in quarantine. pic.twitter.com/zDWcXDC6Lt
No Australian GP, but at least managed few laps in Melbourne!
— PIERRE GASLY (@PierreGASLY) March 15, 2020
Good fun, thanks @KartingAust pic.twitter.com/XrlAHaZupk
I'm happy to take the @WHO #SafeHands challenge passed by @DrTedros for protecting health and beating #COVID19
— Romain Grosjean (@RGrosjean) March 15, 2020
Hand hygiene is key to protect all of us against #coronavirus.
I'll nominate@LewisHamilton@Charles_Leclerc@teddyriner@chrisfroome@JeanTodt
To take the challenge pic.twitter.com/vkobFiqKDB
Finally back home! Pretty much made a full loop around the globe since leaving for Melbourne Time to self isolate for a bit! If you need me I’ll be training, gaming, or watching Netflix! #NL6 pic.twitter.com/BmsVLcHbpR
— Nicholas Latifi (@NicholasLatifi) March 17, 2020
