» F1 will pay tribute to Malaysia’s MH370

Formula One celebrations will be muted this year in Malaysia, in a move to respect the difficult time the nation is going through after the disappearance of Malaysian Airlines MH370.

Drivers will carry messages on their cars and helmets to pay their respects, and a minute silence will be observed before the race on Sunday.

Furthermore, the usual party-like events have been cancelled. The planned concert which included the American Christina Aguilera, Korean group Rain and Craig David has now been removed from the schedule despite assurances it would go ahead.

This came after track chief Razlan Razali said that the country was ‘not in the mood’ for the race.

“People are not in the mood for an event like this,” the Sepang chief executive Razali said.

“Everywhere, be it on radio, newspaper, TV or social media, it is all about finding MH370.”

The Malaysian aircraft disappeared on March 8th and the search has been exhausting, difficult and confusing for all involved. It is fitting to see the race officials and drivers honour the struggle.

“It’s good that the whole of the paddock are running tributes,” McLaren’s Jenson Button commented.

“It’s devastating. I really feel for all the families. We will do all we can. It’ll be difficult this weekend for all the Malaysian people.”

Image via XPB Images.