FIA Releases Statement As Annual Awards Under Threat Of Marburg Virus Outbreak

The FIA's annual Awards ceremony in Kigali, Rwanda is in jeopardy due to the Marburg virus outbreak.

May 8, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Dan Marino and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem applaud during the award ceremony following the Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-Imagn Images / John David Mercer-Imagn Images

The FIA's annual Awards ceremony faces a looming threat from an unexpected source: the Marburg virus. Scheduled to take place in December in Kigali, Rwanda, the ceremony is a cornerstone of the motorsport calendar and holds even greater importance this year as it marks the 120th anniversary of the FIA. However, with the outbreak of this highly fatal virus in the region, the future of the event hangs in uncertainty.

The choice of Kigali as the venue for this year's ceremony was driven by the FIA's goal to expand motorsport's presence in Africa.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Marburg virus outbreak in Rwanda has already resulted in 56 confirmed cases and 12 fatalities. Known for its high fatality rate and a lack of existing treatments, the virus poses a significant public health concern. The WHO has issued advisories against travel to Rwanda, raising questions about the feasibility and safety of holding such a large-scale international event amidst the outbreak. In response to the crisis, efforts are underway to develop and trial a vaccine, particularly for healthcare workers on the front lines.

Despite the grim statistics, the FIA remains committed to its initial plans. An FIA spokesperson stated:

“We are monitoring the situation closely in collaboration with the Ministry of Health in Rwanda. At present, we are proceeding as planned.”

Formula 1 has just six races remaining of the 2024 season, split into two triple-headers. The Austin Grand Prix is set to take place next week on 18-20 October followed by the Mexican and Brazilian Grands Prix in the two weeks following. After a two-week break, the Las Vegas Grand Prix will kick off the final triple-header on 21-23 November followed by the Qatar Grand Prix and the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

As it currently stands, McLaren is leading the Constructors' Standings with 516 points followed by Red Bull Racing with 475 and Ferrari with 441 points. Red Bull's Max Verstappen holds the first position in the Drivers' Standings with 331 points but is defending his spot from McLaren driver Lando Norris, who is running in second position with 279 points. Verstappen is competing for his fourth consecutive championship title, however, with McLaren's recent surge in performance, he could have a strong battle on his hands.

2024 F1 Drivers' Championship: Current Standings

1. Max Verstappen - 331 points
2. Lando Norris - 279 points
3. Charles Leclerc - 245 points
4. Oscar Piastri - 237 points
5. Carlos Sainz - 190 points
6. Lewis Hamilton - 174 points
7. George Russell - 155 points
8. Sergio Perez - 144 points
9. Fernando Alonso - 62 points
10. Nico Hulkenberg - 24 points
11. Lance Stroll - 24 points
12. Yuki Tsunoda - 22 points
13. Alex Albon - 12 points
14. Daniel Ricciardo - 12 points
15. Pierre Gasly - 8 points
16. Oliver Bearman - 7 points
17. Kevin Magnussen - 6 points
18. Esteban Ocon - 5 points
19. Franco Colapinto - 4 points
20. Zhou Guanyu - 0 points
21. Logan Sargeant - 0 points
22. Valtteri Bottas - 0 points