Social Media Reactions: The Voice of the Motorsport Community

As the pandemic unfolded, social media platforms became a vital outlet for news, frustration, and solidarity within the motorsport community. Drivers, journalists, teams, and fans took to Twitter, Instagram, and other channels to share real-time updates, express their anxieties, and critique the handling of the crisis by the sport’s administrators. The following notable posts from March 12, 2020, capture the volatile sentiment and key developments during this pivotal period.

F1’s Mounting Pressure and Initial Cancellations

The early days of the crisis saw Formula 1 facing increasing pressure, with whispers of further cancellations following the news from Long Beach. Veteran motorsport journalist Fritz-Dieter Rencken (@RacingLines) voiced immediate concerns, highlighting the cascading effect of the virus: “Another blow: am hearing @F1 fan festival scheduled for Kyalami/Jhb on 28-29/3 cancelled due to #Corvid19. What next? Confirmation about Australia, Vietnam? And then?” His tweet perfectly encapsulated the growing uncertainty and fear that major events would inevitably fall victim to the pandemic, creating a domino effect across the globe.

Another blow: am hearing @F1 fan festival scheduled for Kyalami/Jhb on 28-29/3 cancelled due to #Corvid19. What next? Confirmation about Australia, Vietnam? And then?

— Fritz-Dieter Rencken (@RacingLines) March 12, 2020

The anxiety wasn’t confined to journalists and fans; it was palpable within the paddock itself. Jennie Gow (@JennieGow), a prominent F1 reporter, shared a firsthand account of the cautious measures being implemented, reflecting the underlying tension: “There is a fair amount of anxiety in the paddock. We’re basically being asked to keep away from the drivers as a precaution… #F1”. This tweet painted a vivid picture of the immediate impact on working conditions and the personal strain felt by those directly involved in the sport.

There is a fair amount of anxiety in the paddock. We’re basically being asked to keep away from the drivers as a precaution… #F1

— Jennie Gow (@JennieGow) March 12, 2020

Adding to the growing list of disruptions, the Walkinshaw Andretti United team (@FollowWAU) made a difficult but necessary decision, prioritizing health and safety. Their message to fans underscored the rapidly changing situation: “Dear fans, Unfortunately, we have made the difficult decision to cancel all public appearances for the remainder of the Australian Grand Prix. With the ever-changing COVID-19 situation, the decision has been made in the interest of the Team’s health and safety. pic.twitter.com/x2ebbtSBsw”. This move by a prominent team further highlighted the gravity of the health concerns and hinted at larger cancellations to come, putting pressure on event organizers to follow suit.

Dear fans,

Unfortunately, we have made the difficult decision to cancel all public appearances for the remainder of the Australian Grand Prix.

With the ever-changing COVID-19 situation, the decision has been made in the interest of the Team’s health and safety. pic.twitter.com/x2ebbtSBsw

— Walkinshaw Andretti United (@FollowWAU) March 12, 2020

Fan Disappointment and Criticism of F1/FIA Handling

The collective handling of the crisis by Formula 1 and the FIA drew significant criticism from fans and observers. Gemma Wynne (@GemmaWynne31) expressed profound disappointment, questioning the initial decision-making: “Terrible management by the @fia….why risk the health and safety of all the teams, drivers and fans in the first place. Especially now with it looking like it will be postponed anyway it just makes a mockery of the sport 🙈. #F1”. Her sentiment resonated with many who felt that health risks were unnecessarily taken, especially as cancellations seemed inevitable.

Terrible management by the @fia….why risk the health and safety of all the teams, drivers and fans in the first place. Especiallly now with it looking like it will be postponed anyway it just makes a mockery of the sport 🙈. #F1

— Gemma Wynne (@GemmaWynne31) March 12, 2020

Nikki (@life_of_niksi) echoed this frustration, highlighting McLaren’s proactive stance in contrast to the broader leadership: “The way this whole thing has been handled has been a right farce by the FIA and F1 🤦🏻‍♀️. Only McLaren seem to be on top of things. Proud to be a McLaren fan yet embarrassed to be an F1 fan. #AustralianGP”. This tweet captured a widely held view that the official response was inadequate and lacked decisive action.

The way this whole thing has been handled has been a right farce by the FIA and F1 🤦🏻‍♀️. Only McLaren seem to be on top of things. Proud to be a McLaren fan yet embarrassed to be an F1 fan. #AustralianGP

— Nikki 🧡 (@life_of_niksi) March 12, 2020

The perceived sluggishness of F1’s response was often contrasted with other motorsport categories. Jason Cronin (@jaycronin) drew a direct comparison to MotoGP: “Looks like a massive own goal for #f1 😕 it appears that #motogp got things right and cancelled races almost immediately. It seems increasingly likely that the race will be cancelled, despite so many personnel/media flying halfway around the world. #coronavirus”. This highlights the frustration over the wasted effort and travel for thousands of personnel when a cancellation seemed inevitable.

Looks like a massive own goal for #f1 😕 it appears that #motogp got things right and cancelled races almost immediately. It seems increasingly likely that the race will be cancelled, despite so many personnel/media flying halfway around the world. #coronavirus

— jason cronin (@jaycronin) March 12, 2020

Adding to the critique, Ben Hunt (@benjhunt) highlighted a perceived lack of transparency from F1 regarding the crisis: “Should also point out that we had 10 mins of opening questions from F1 where the coronavirus was not mentioned once. Message from F1 is clear. Don’t mention the c-word.” This pointed observation suggested a deliberate attempt to downplay the severity of the situation, further fueling public distrust.

Should also point out that we had 10 mins of opening questions from F1 where the coronavirus was not mentioned once. Message from F1 is clear. Don’t mention the c-word.

— Ben Hunt (@benjhunt) March 12, 2020

The overarching sentiment of disappointment was summarized eloquently by Jon Noble (@NobleF1): “Tonight I’m so angry and disappointed in #F1. This was a scenario that many feared, and it was totally avoidable. It’s a sad day for the sport.” His words captured the sorrow and regret felt by many who believed that a more proactive approach could have prevented much of the chaos and distress.

Tonight I’m so angry and disappointed in #F1. This was a scenario that many feared, and it was totally avoidable. It’s a sad day for the sport.

— Jon Noble (@NobleF1) March 12, 2020

Resilience and Calendar Concerns

Despite the overwhelming negativity, there were also messages of unity and concern for the season’s future. Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) shared a heartfelt message from their drivers, Seb and Charles, using the hashtags #ForzaRagazzi and #DistantiMaUniti (Distant but United), offering a glimmer of hope and solidarity amidst the crisis. This human touch from one of F1’s most iconic teams resonated deeply with the Tifosi and the wider fan base.

#Tifosi, Seb and Charles have a message for you ❤️💪
#ForzaRagazzi #DistantiMaUniti #essereFerrari 🔴 pic.twitter.com/oKj4hmXZbS

— Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) March 12, 2020

Meanwhile, the practical implications for the Formula 1 calendar became a pressing concern. Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine) highlighted the stark contrast between expectations and reality, contemplating how drastically the season might shrink: “What was supposed to be the longest #F1 calendar ever is going to end up being the shortest since… 2015? (19 races) 2009? (17 races) 2003? (16 races) 1983? (15 races)”. This insightful tweet put the potential impact into historical perspective, illustrating the sheer scale of the disruption facing the sport.

What was supposed to be the longest #F1 calendar ever is going to end up being the shortest since…

2015? (19 races)
2009? (17 races)
2003? (16 races)
1983? (15 races)

— Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine) March 12, 2020

Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter andgo ad-free

• Find more official F1 accounts to follow in the F1 Twitter Directory

Essential Updates from the Motorsport World

Beyond social media, official statements and news reports provided critical insights into the rapidly unfolding crisis. These links reflect some of the most significant developments and emerging controversies from this turbulent period:

Advert | Become a Supporter & go ad-free

Official Statement on the 2020 Grand Prix of Long Beach (Grand Prix of Long Beach)

This critical statement confirmed the inevitable cancellation of the 2020 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. The announcement detailed that the event, originally slated for April 17-19, would not proceed as planned, directly citing a directive from the City of Long Beach that prohibited all large-scale events through April 30. This decision marked a significant turning point for the IndyCar series and highlighted the growing reality of COVID-19’s disruptive power on major sporting fixtures, setting a precedent for other races contemplating their fate.

FIA Chief Jean Todt Slams F1’s ‘Gang of Seven’ (Daily Mail)

Amidst the pandemic-induced chaos, a separate but significant controversy flared up within Formula 1. FIA President Jean Todt issued a strong rebuttal to the ‘Gang of Seven’ – seven F1 teams who had questioned the FIA’s handling of a confidential investigation into Ferrari’s 2019 power unit. Todt’s statement fiercely condemned the teams for making “totally inaccurate and biased fact pattern” allegations, explicitly challenging the FIA’s integrity and suggesting “fraudulent collusion” between the federation and Scuderia Ferrari. This public dispute added another layer of complexity and tension to an already strained motorsport environment, further emphasizing the internal political challenges facing F1 during this unprecedented time.

Photographer Latest to Go Into Self-Isolation at Australian GP (Speedcafe)

The on-the-ground reality of the pandemic at the Australian Grand Prix was brought into sharp focus by reports of personnel entering self-isolation. Speedcafe.com revealed that a photographer had left the Albert Park circuit, visibly wearing a face mask, and was placed into self-isolation pending medical test results. This incident underscored the immediate health risks faced by individuals within the F1 paddock and the rapid implementation of precautionary measures, highlighting the precarious situation for all those involved in setting up and covering the event.

Vietnam GP Under Threat as a Result of the Coronavirus Outbreak (BBC)

Beyond Australia, the threat of COVID-19 loomed large over other upcoming races. The BBC reported that the inaugural Vietnam Grand Prix was gravely imperiled by the outbreak. F1 boss Chase Carey was actively engaged in Vietnam, attempting to salvage the race and ensure it could proceed. The uncertainty surrounding Vietnam highlighted the global reach of the pandemic and the intensive efforts by F1 management to navigate an increasingly challenging international calendar.

Coronavirus: les organisateurs du GP de France se veulent rassurants (AutoHebdo – French)

In a rare moment of optimism amidst the cancellations, the organizers of the French Grand Prix expressed hope for their event. Eric Boullier, the managing director of the French Grand Prix, stated that the race, scheduled for the final weekend of June, was still expected to go ahead. This contrasting outlook offered a glimpse into the varying degrees of impact and official responses across different regions, providing a sliver of reassurance even as the global situation remained dire. His comments suggested that not all hope was lost for the entire season.

Dirt Rally 2.0 Game of the Year Edition (Dirt via YouTube)

For those seeking an escape from the real-world anxieties and race cancellations, the virtual world of motorsport continued to thrive. This YouTube video showcased the Dirt Rally 2.0 Game of the Year Edition, reminding fans that the thrill of racing could still be experienced through gaming, offering a welcome distraction and a way to engage with the sport during uncertain times.

We always endeavour to credit original sources. If you have a tip for a link to feature in the next RaceFans round-up please send it in via the contact form.

Comment of the Day: The Fans’ Frustration

The indecision surrounding the Australian Grand Prix’s fate reached a boiling point as eager fans were left waiting outside the Albert Park circuit, only to be eventually turned away. This chaotic situation sparked significant outrage, crystallizing many of the frustrations felt by the motorsport community. One fan, @Phylyp, captured this sentiment powerfully in their ‘Comment of the Day’:

I have no medical qualifications, but isn’t forcing people to group up outside the gates like that “a bad thing”?

You know, instead of just issuing a proper statement in advance, like Thursday pm, or worse still, Friday early am?

It’s not like the virus will strike only when they reach the stands.

This is a disgrace. It is patently clear that FIA and FOM have money as their first priority over the well-being of their fans, despite their claims to the contrary. They’re afraid to pull the trigger on a cancellation just so that various contractual clauses won’t be triggered, and want someone else to do it for them (i.e. force majeure, due to a call by the authorities, which presumably gives them an out, or the drivers/teams to be seen as the ones calling for a cancellation).

@Phylyp

@Phylyp’s comment eloquently articulated the widespread anger stemming from what was perceived as a clear prioritization of financial and contractual obligations over public health and fan safety. The concern about crowds gathering unnecessarily, despite the known risks of virus transmission, highlighted the disconnect between official statements and the reality on the ground. The accusation that the FIA and FOM (Formula One Management) were hesitant to make a decisive cancellation, hoping for external factors or team pressure to trigger a force majeure clause, resonated deeply. This sentiment reflected a profound disappointment in the leadership’s handling of an unprecedented crisis, leaving many questioning the true values of the sport’s governing bodies during a critical moment for global health.

Happy Birthday!

A special shout-out to members of our community celebrating their birthdays today: Armen, Pabs, Starosta, Aqib and Aqib! We wish you all a fantastic day.

If you wish to receive a birthday shout-out on RaceFans, please let us know your birth date via our contact form or by adding it to our community list here.

On This Day in F1 History

Reflecting on significant moments from the past, today marks an interesting anniversary in motorsport history:

• On this day in 1965, Mike Spence clinched victory in the two-part Race of Champions at Brands Hatch. Spence emerged triumphant after the initial part one winner, the legendary Jim Clark, unfortunately crashed out during the second half of the event, showcasing the unpredictable nature of early Formula 1 racing.