Marko: Verstappen panicked over COVID-19 threat

Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko says a worried Max Verstappen called him to express his concerns over the COVID-19 virus.

The coronavirus pandemic is disrupting life in many countries, its impact felt across all industries, with economies worldwide grinding to a halt.

The sporting world and Formula 1 in particular haven't been immune to the crisis which is leaving teams and drivers facing a cloud of uncertainty regarding the immediate future, with no clear to the pause in sight.

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But the fear factor among the population has increased significantly, mainly on the back of the dire situation facing Italy, where the death toll now exceeds 7,000.

Max Verstappen is keeping safe at home in Monaco where he indulges in his favourite pastime, online sim racing. But the Dutchman apparently remains worried for his personal health.

"He told me on the phone that he is terribly afraid of becoming infected," Helmut Marko told Kronen Zeitung.

Marko tried to alleviate his driver's concerns with a bit of typical 'Marko' humour.

"The best thing is that you get it now, since you are not in the risk group," said the Austrian.

"So that you will soon be able to hunt down the world title completely immune!"

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