Red Bull boss wanted camp for team drivers to deliberately catch coronavirus

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Red Bull's head of driver development considered getting his drivers together so they could be infected with the coronavirus before the start of the delayed Formula 1 season, according to ESPN.

Helmut Marko said now is the perfect time for his drivers to contract the virus since the season is suspended and they wouldn't get sick later in the year if they do so now.

"The idea was to organize a camp where we could bridge this mentally and physically somewhat dead time," Marko told an Austrian TV station. "And that would be the ideal time for the infection to come.

"These are all strong young men in really good health. That way they would be prepared whenever the action starts. And you can be ready for what will probably be a very tough championship once it starts."

Red Bull declined to comment when asked about Marko's idea, ESPN reports.

"Let's put it this way," the 76-year-old said. "It has not been well received."

Drivers under contract with the team include Max Verstappen and Alex Albon, while the company's second squad, AlphaTauri, employs Daniil Kvyat and Pierre Gasly.