Formula 1's Vietnam Grand Prix in doubt after ban on air travel from Italy

The Vietnam Grand Prix has been thrown into further down because the government in of Vietnam have banned free air travel from Italy. Italians must first apply for a visa before they can leave for Hanoi.

For the first time ever, the Formula 1 circus is due to head to Vietnam for a street race. After months of building, the circuit is ready but the spread of coronavirus continues and that may ensure the event doesn't take place.

In Italy, the number of deaths has already climbed to 34 and over 1,700 are infected. Australia and Bahrain have not yet taken any measures against flights from Italy, but Vietnam now only allows Italians with a visa.

That means that teams like Ferrari and AlphaTauri are getting into serious trouble because both teams have their factory with all the staff in Italy. However, it is not only a problem for those two teams, because Haas and Alfa Romeo also depend on the Italian product: the Ferrari engine. And of course, some members of Pirelli will be in Italy. 

Formula 1 needs 16 cars on the grid for the race to take place. This could end up being close if the ban continues. Just as for the news from Bahrain, the situation here will also be closely monitored.