One of the most important messages to come out of F1 since the start of the coronavirus pandemic was largely missed by much of the media.

While Pitpass has run a number of articles focussing on the financial meltdown the sport is facing, others have either focussed on eSports or comments from drivers and team members who are on an enforced official hiatus.

With no significant income at present and faced with the possibility of having to refund those race promoters who have already paid their 2020 hosting fees, F1 is already looking likely to run out of cash as it makes the monthly prize money payments to the teams.

Indeed, with just $400m in cash reserves and a further $500m in available credit, it is likely that F1 will need to take on further loans later this year in order to keep its head above water.

While some might accuse us of looking for further negativity at what is already a bad time, it's worth noting Ross Brawn's admission during a recent 'vodcast' with Sky Sports.

Talking about the impact of the economic impact the virus could have on F1, he said: "We employ thousands of people, and if the sport collapses there's thousands and thousands of people out of work. We have to find a way through it."

This was the Managing Director of F1, one of the sport's chief honchos, in the eyes of many the acceptable face of FOM, the man increasingly used as the sport's management's official spokesman, admitting that there is a very serious problem, that the sport could "collapse".

Now, former FIA president, Max Mosley, has spoken out, and like his former 'partner in crime', Bernie Ecclestone, he is calling for the 2020 season to be abandoned.

"If you wait and see, you risk worsening the situation without having the certainty that you will win something," he told the German Press Agency.

"There is no guarantee that the races will start again in July and it is actually becoming increasingly less likely," he added.

"Act now and to use the opportunity to reorganize and restructure Formula 1 in order to put it on a much more solid financial basis for the future."

Asked about the likelihood of races being held behind closed doors, which is looking increasingly to be the only option if F1 is determined to get the season going, he warned: "That would be a financial disaster for most race organizers."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by BrightonCorgi, 15/04/2020 16:36

"Max and Bernie are spot on."

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2. Posted by Tardis40, 15/04/2020 1:28

"Agree. Pack it in and come back next year with the same car."

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3. Posted by Rock Doc, 14/04/2020 19:53

"@ nnails is right. Even if some restrictions locally are lifted it is going to be much longer before international restrictions are going to be lifted as well. It's going to be a long process to make sure their isn't a second wave.

Most governments are not going to want to invite teams (100's pf people) from abroad into their country just to run a sporting event when they should be using their resources to fight the virus. Even Putin is beginning to see how quickly things can change."

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4. Posted by nnails, 14/04/2020 19:29

"Even when lock down is lifted here. It may not e lifted in other countries. If I was in government making sure no one comes in to country again with virus would be top priority and this would prevent the travelling f1 circus. "

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5. Posted by Superbird70, 14/04/2020 18:35

"Lose the season, to save the sport. I'd like to see some racing next year and beyond."

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6. Posted by KKK, 14/04/2020 18:15

"In the scale of importance, Sport takes last place. What is more important? to have an F1 race or to die? The whole season should be cancelled as soon as possible."

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7. Posted by Anthony, 14/04/2020 17:34

"I haven’t always agreed with Max in the past but I think he is right here."

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Mosely: Act now and cancel season

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