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Coronavirus pandemic ‘final wake-up call’ for Formula One

The crisis has caused the start of the season — initially set to begin in March — to be delayed, with the Canadian Grand Prix recently becoming the ninth race to be either postponed or canceled.Speaking to reporters on a video conference call on Wednesday, Seidl said the sport risked losing teams unless changes were made. "It's not just the fear, I think it's reality," he said, as reported by Reuters. "There's a big risk that we could lose teams through this crisis."I think the crisis we are in now is, let's say, the final wake-up call … the sport which was unhealthy before and not sustainable has now reached a point where we need big changes, drastic changes.""I don't see any signs that Formula One will not exist in the next year," he added. "The biggest risk that I see is that we will lose teams if we don't take decisive actions now."READ: Motorsport world pays tribute to 'racing legend' Stirling MossREAD: 2020 F1 season could start behind closed doors, says Ross BrawnAmid much confusion, the season opener in Australia was eventually canceled last month after a member of the McLaren team tested positive for coronavirus.The Monaco Grand Prix — the jewel in the crown of the F1 season — has also been canceled and a further seven races postponed.Formula One rules stipulate that a minimum of eight races must be held for a season to be classified as a world championship.With the season on hold, McLaren — along with four other British-based teams — has opted to furlough a number of its workforce and use a UK government job scheme that pays employees placed on temporary leave 80% of their wages, to a maximum of £2,500 a month ($3,122).Formula One has also temporarily furloughed half of its employees, it was announced on April 7, and its directors and executives — includiRead More – Source

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