Lewis Hamilton 'surprised' after Australian GP announces decision to carry on with F1 race

Six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton stated that he is "surprised" to be in Australia, days before start of new Formula One season. Hamilton's remarks came at a press conference on Thursday amidst global coronavirus outbreak. 

READ: Chinese Grand Prix Postponed By Organisers Amidst Coronavirus Fears

Hamilton 'surprised' competition still on

Hamilton is one of first drivers to speak up on decision, or lack of, to go ahead with season's inaugural race. Brit said, "I am very, very surprised we are here,” he said. “I think it’s great that we can have races, but for me it’s shocking that we’re all sitting in this room. re are so many fans here already today. It seems like rest of world is reacting, probably a bit late, but already this morning we have seen [Donald] Trump shutting down borders from Europe to United States. NBA is being suspended and F1 continues to go on.”

In or developments, one member of McLaren’s team and four crew members of Haas have been tested for coronavirus and placed in isolation.

FIA has already anunced that Chinese Grand Prix will be cancelled because of virus and Bahrain Grand Prix will be held behind closed doors.

Hamilton's remarks come a few hours after NBA  suspended its season “until furr tice" after a Utah Jazz player tested positive on Wednesday for coronavirus. move that came only hours after majority of league's owners were leaning toward playing games without fans in arenas.

" NBA is suspending gameplay following conclusion of tonight’s schedule of games until furr tice. NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to coronavirus pandemic.”

READ: MCG Confirms Attendee At Women's T20 World Cup Final Has Tested Positive For Coronavirus

Spectator tests positive

A short while before Hamilton's remarks, Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) anunced that at least one person who attended ICC Women's T20 World Cup finals on March 8 has been tested positive for coronavirus.

Globally, around 4,600 people have died due to Coronavirus, with epicentre being in China. virus has infected around 1,26,000 people globally and has w spread to rth America, South America, Europe, New Zealand, and more than 100 or countries.

World Health Organisation (WHO), on Wednesday, declared vel Coronavirus, or COVID-19, outbreak as a pandemic. anuncement takes place months after virus spread from China's Wuhan. Globally, over 1,26,000 cases have been reported with virus claiming over 4,600 lives.

READ: Bahrain Grand Prix To Be Held Without Any Spectators Amid Coronavirus Scare