Hamilton 'very surprised' Australia race still on despite virus threat

World champion Lewis Hamilton Thursday said he was "very surprised" that the Australian Grand Prix was going ahead during a coronavirus pandemic as two more staff from Haas were isolated and teams limited contact with fans.

The season-opening race in Melbourne is set to proceed as planned this weekend despite mounting fears about the spread of the disease.

"I am really very, very surprised that we're here. I don't think it's great that we have races but it really is shocking that we're all sitting in this room," Hamilton said at an official pre-race press conference packed with media.

"It seems that the rest of the world is already reacting a little bit late, but you have seen this morning with (President) Trump shutting down the border to Europe to the States, the NBA suspended, yet Formula One continues to go on.

"It's a concern I think for the people here. It's quite a big circus that's come here, it's definitely concerning for me."
"As a matter of fact, we are here so you just try to take care as much as you can."
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"We take it seriously, if someone has something then we ask them to tell us as soon as possible and not hide it, which would be the worst thing to do."
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