World champion Lewis Hamilton Thursday said he was "very surprised" that the Australian Grand Prix was going ahead during a coronavirus pandemic, as more Formula One staff were isolated and teams limited contact with fans.
The season-opening race in Melbourne is set to proceed as planned this weekend despite mounting fears about the spread of the disease.
"I am really very, very surprised that we're here. I don't think it's great that we have races but it really is shocking that we're all sitting in this room," Hamilton said at an official pre-race press conference packed with media.
"It seems that the rest of the world is already reacting a little bit late, but you have seen this morning with (President Donald) Trump shutting down the border to Europe to the States, the NBA suspended, yet Formula One continues to go on.
"It's a concern I think for the people here. It's quite a big circus that's come here, it's definitely concerning for me."
"As a matter of fact, we are here so you just try to take care as much as you can."
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