Albon: Australian F1 Grand Prix atmosphere different due to virus fear
Red Bull's Alex Albon says the atmosphere around 2020 Formula 1 season opener feels "different" as emergency measures are introduced at the Australian Grand Prix because of the coronavirus outbreak
The Melbourne race is set to go ahead this weekend despite the developing situation regarding the spread of COVID-19 across the world.
Autograph sessions that were scheduled to be held at Albert Park will be replaced by Q&A interviews, and press events organised for the build-up to the race have been impacted, as teams implement measures to reduce interactions for their drivers.
Albon was speaking at Red Bull media event alongside his team-mate Max Verstappen at Melbourne's Station Pier - where a 2m exclusion zone (pictured above) around the drivers was enforced during a press conference.
He said: "Even now walking around Melbourne it's obviously a different kind of atmosphere to what it's been like in the past.
"I mean I speak about the past, I've done one year. [But] it's going to be different.
"I'm not sure what's being put in place to be honest with you [regarding measures in the Albert Park paddock].
"But hopefully we can find the right balance between the drivers and the teams [on] the safety because it is obviously a serious problem, [while] also giving something to the fans to be able to interact with us in some way."
Three F1 team personnel have been taken in to self-isolation while tests are conducted to see if they have contracted coronavirus.
Following Renault's 2020 livery launch event at Albert Park on Wednesday - where Daniel Ricciardo and Esteban Ocon took the covers of the RS20 - its drivers were withdrawn from an accompanying press conference.
Renault team principal Cyril Abiteboul explained that the measure was being enforced "due to the situation" regarding coronavirus concerns.
"Obviously as we were planning this event, we were expecting a little bit more of a light atmosphere," Abiteboul said.
"Obviously I'm referring to the very particular circumstances in which we are in Australia and Melbourne.
"Usually it's a moment that we all love when we are racing in Formula 1, so I wanted to make a mention of that.
"I also wanted to say that our drivers were supposed to be with us for that event, but due to the situation, we've excused them from the occasion.
"I hope you understand why we are taking such measures."
F1 driver autograph sessions canned over coronavirus fears
Can Sainz emulate his world champion lineage?
Explained: What caused F1 GPS problems in Australian GP practice
Explained: What caused F1 GPS problems in Australian GP practice Explained: What caused F1 GPS problems in Australian GP practice
F1 Australian GP: Alonso leads Leclerc in wet FP2
F1 Australian GP: Alonso leads Leclerc in wet FP2 F1 Australian GP: Alonso leads Leclerc in wet FP2
What next for Mercedes in its quest to get back to the top of F1?
What next for Mercedes in its quest to get back to the top of F1? What next for Mercedes in its quest to get back to the top of F1?
Why Jeddah changes could test F1 track limits rules
Why Jeddah changes could test F1 track limits rules Why Jeddah changes could test F1 track limits rules
Williams winter F1 gains second only to Aston Martin - Albon
Williams winter F1 gains second only to Aston Martin - Albon Williams winter F1 gains second only to Aston Martin - Albon
Why Albon won't be "throwing around laptops" to gain a 2023 F1 edge
Why Albon won't be "throwing around laptops" to gain a 2023 F1 edge Why Albon won't be "throwing around laptops" to gain a 2023 F1 edge
Folger to fill in for injured Pol Espargaro at Tech3 MotoGP squad
Folger to fill in for injured Pol Espargaro at Tech3 MotoGP squad Folger to fill in for injured Pol Espargaro at Tech3 MotoGP squad
Friday favourite: The Swedish speedbowl where oval set-ups paid dividends
Friday favourite: The Swedish speedbowl where oval set-ups paid dividends Friday favourite: The Swedish speedbowl where oval set-ups paid dividends
Horner counters Perez's suggestions about Red Bull being one-car F1 team
Horner counters Perez's suggestions about Red Bull being one-car F1 team Horner counters Perez's suggestions about Red Bull being one-car F1 team
What we learned from Friday practice at F1's 2023 Australian GP
What we learned from Friday practice at F1's 2023 Australian GP What we learned from Friday practice at F1's 2023 Australian GP
How F1's new era has exposed the downside of its most important rule
How F1's new era has exposed the downside of its most important rule How F1's new era has exposed the downside of its most important rule
What next for Mercedes in its quest to get back to the top of F1?
What next for Mercedes in its quest to get back to the top of F1? What next for Mercedes in its quest to get back to the top of F1?
Why Piastri’s F1 homecoming will be a landmark occasion
Why Piastri’s F1 homecoming will be a landmark occasion Why Piastri’s F1 homecoming will be a landmark occasion
The recent Australian GP form history that will boost Ferrari in F1 2023
The recent Australian GP form history that will boost Ferrari in F1 2023 The recent Australian GP form history that will boost Ferrari in F1 2023
The cycle of F1 upheaval Williams must end to rediscover past glories
The cycle of F1 upheaval Williams must end to rediscover past glories The cycle of F1 upheaval Williams must end to rediscover past glories
The state of play in F1's technical silly season
The state of play in F1's technical silly season The state of play in F1's technical silly season
Ranking the top 10 pre-war grand prix drivers
Ranking the top 10 pre-war grand prix drivers Ranking the top 10 pre-war grand prix drivers
Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries
Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries Why drivers are the least of Ferrari’s F1 worries
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.