Two more F1 races cancelled in light of coronavirus

The delay to the new F1 season has been even further delayed after two more races were postponed on Friday.

Following the postponement of the Australian Grand Prix just two hours before free practice this morning, races in Bahrain - which was due to take place next weekend - and Vietnam (April 3-5) have also been postponed. The Chinese Grand Prix was postponed several weeks ago.

It could mean the first race of the season could be Max Verstappen's home race at Zandvoort in Holland - the first Dutch Grand Prix since 1982.

Formula 1 Chairman and CEO, Chase Carey, said: "The global situation regarding COVID-19 is fluid and very difficult to predict and its right we take time to assess the situation and make the right decisions. We are taking this decision with the FIA and our promoters to ensure the safety of everyone involved in Formula 1 and our fans.

"The Bahrain Grand Prix is an exciting race in our schedule, and we look forward to being back there as soon as we can. We are also looking forward to Vietnam’s inaugural race and bringing the spectacle of F1 to one of the most exciting cities in the world.”

FIA President, Jean Todt, added: "Protecting people first. Together with Formula 1, the Bahrain Motor Federation, the Vietnamese Motorsports Association, and the local promoters, postponing both the Bahrain and Vietnam Grands Prix, as with the Australian Grand Prix, was the only possible decision given all of the information currently available to us.

"We continue to rely on the input and advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and governments and will work with them throughout this unpredictable period to safeguard the fans, competitors and all of the motorsport community.”