F1 Gossip: Australian GP against banning fans amid coronavirus

A round-up of the latest Formula 1 gossip ahead of the 2020 opening round:

- Australian GP organisers are confident the 2020 F1 opener will go ahead as planned despite growing coronavirus concerns. The Bahrain GP has already banned fans from attending its race which takes place one week after the Albert Park event. (BBC Sport)

- Lewis Hamilton and Prince Harry have opened a new museum at Silverstone. The six-time F1 world champion drove the royal to the event, while George Russell and Alexander Albon also attended the opening. (Sky Sports)

- Daniel Ricciardo wants to keep his options open on his next F1 contract in case opportunities come up at either Ferrari or Mercedes while he waits to assess Renault’s progress. The Australian driver left Red Bull for Renault last year looking to lead the team’s charge to fight for world titles. (Reuters)

- F1 management are confident the Miami Grand Prix will get the green light for 2021 following recent developments. (Racer)

- Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone says the seven teams which spoke out against the Ferrari-FIA agreement must sue the sport’s governing body over lost prize money. (F1-Insider.com)

- Mika Hakkinen opens up on having Ayrton Senna as a teammate at McLaren and his thoughts on fighting Michael Schumacher for F1 world titles during the 1990s. (Auto Motor und Sport)

- Lewis Hamilton says he feels fitter and stronger than his previous years going into a new F1 season as he heads to Melbourne for the 2020 opener. (Instagram)

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Every year I try to find the right balance between being the fittest athlete I can be, a good businessman and deliver on all platforms. It is far from easy but I give it my all. I listen to my body, fuel it to the best of my knowledge. This year, I’ve managed to push further and be fitter and stronger than the years before which I’m so happy about. I feel more ready than ever as I embark on my journey to the first race of the season. I just want to encourage you all out there, your body and mind are one. Take care of it, feed your body and your mind with the right ingredients. Health is wealth! If you believe you can’t do something that is just the wrong attitude because you can do anything you put your mind to. You need to develop a positive frame of mind and working out will help you do that and feel better about yourself. I know you can do it, now you need to know it too!! #teamlh #youcandoit #believeinyourself

A post shared by Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton) on Mar 7, 2020 at 12:36pm PST