As the Formula 1 season is postponed, teams are finding ways to deal with stopping the spread of COVID-19. Defending champs Mercedes is developing a breathing device that people with COVID-19 can use and lower the need for ventilators. Red Bull team advisor Helmut Marko wanted to go in another direction.
According to Motorsport, Dr. Marko (not a medical doctor) once proposed to have F1 drivers Max Verstappen, Alex Albon, Pierre Gasly, Daniil Kvyat, and all their junior F1 drivers quarantined together and get COVID-19 while the F1 season is postponed. Marko’s thinking was when they recover, they’ll all be immune and won’t be infected during the season when (or if) that starts back up.
Speaking on Austrian TV, Marko said the following:
“The idea was to organize a camp where we could bridge this mentally and physically somewhat dead time. And that would be the ideal time for the infection to come.”
“These are all strong young men in really good health. That way they would be prepared whenever the action starts. And you can be ready for what will probably be a very tough championship once it starts.”
The former F1 driver acknowledged that his idea wasn’t accepted among many on the team. Marko said, “Let’s put it this way: it has not been well received.”
Well, duh.
Instead, the drivers are working on maintaining their fitness and practicing on a simulator so whenever the season does begin, they’ll be prepared. Hopefully while never having COVID-19 in the first place.
[Motorsport/Photo: Rv Racing Press]
