The coronavirus is a growing pandemic which has effected communities and nations across the world, with many sporting events being forced to be cancelled to minimise the spread of the virus.

Formula 1 and the FIA has already taken the steps to postpone the Chinese Grand Prix but it appears that the virus may have potentially affected a few drivers ahead of the Australian GP. 

It's been reported by The Guardian that three F1 team members, two Haas and one McLaren, have been placed into self-isolation at their hotels as they're being tested for the coronavirus. 

Should the results return positive, this could be a major concern regarding the spread of the virus, given that the team members have made contact with other human life within the F1 paddocks. 

Dr Mariam Tohki, A Melbourne-based GP, has spoken of her concerns with the city hosting the race. 

“I was surprised that the Victorian government has decided to stage the Grand Prix,” the Doctor stated. 

“I’m not privy to the economic calculations, but I am worried that they are putting my community at risk by going ahead. And we health-workers will have to deal with the escalation of infections.”

In Australia alone, there has been 112 cases of coronavirus which has resulted in three deaths.

However, hosting an international sporting event may increase the chances of the virus spreading further across the nation and in particular, Melbourne. 

Therefore, with the recent emergence of this coronavirus-related news, Australian locals are clearly unhappy and have protested against Formula 1 coming to the country. The words "Stop F1" were written in the sky as a mass gathering such as this will undoubtedly spread the virus further.

CEO of the Grattan Institute, John Daley, has had his say on Formula 1 making its Australian pit stop.

“We are certainly running a very big risk,” Daley stated. 

“Actually what the government has (essentially) said is that the value of running the Grand Prix in Australia with a big audience is greater than the potential cost of that risk.” 

As mentioned previously, the Chinese GP has already been cancelled for obvious reasons while the Bahrain GP will take place behind closed doors. Despite the recent coronavirus scare and the race due to take place this weekend, there's no sign of the Australian GP being postponed.