F1 News

Coronavirus claims two lives in the world of motorsports

19 April 2020 at 10:56
Last update 19 April 2020 at 14:07
  • GPblog.com

The coronavirus continues to claim victims, and this is now also the case for the motorsport world. Saturday night not only Mikhail Shwartzman, father of top talent Robert Shwartzman, but also former IndyCar rider Bob Lazier died.

COVID-19 has already claimed more than 160,000 victims worldwide and two more cases were added last night. Mikhail Shwartzman had been in hospital for some time due to the effects of the illness, but according to Robert, his father was doing better. Unfortunately, this shows once again how quickly the coronavirus can strike and changes the situation. Mikhail Shwartzman was only 52 years old.

As a result, 20-year-old Robert Shwartzman not only loses his father, but also a mainstay in his career. Mikhail supported and guided his son from the very beginning and, thanks to his financial support, has gained a strong starting position for him. For example, the reigning Formula 3 champion would drive for the Prema team in Formula 2 this season.

Bob Lazier also fatally affected

In addition to the father of the Ferrari talent, the motorsport world lost another leading member last night. Former IndyCar driver Bob Lazier also succumbed to the consequences of the virus.

At 81, Lazier belonged to one of the risk groups for COVID-19. The death of the former driver has been confirmed by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where Lazier was often to be found during and after his career.