Imago
image source: Autosport
Imago
image source: Autosport
With the coronavirus raging around the world, sporting activity is threatening to come to a standstill. F1 has already postponed the Australian, Bahrain and Vietnam Grands Prix. However, it appears that the Dutch Grand Prix could be next on the hit list.
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According to RaceFans, an announcement is expected from the Dutch Grand Prix organisers soon. This actually spells bad news for Max Verstappen, who would have been looking forward to getting a home race at last.
The Netherlands was slated to return to the F1 calendar after 35 years, at the Circuit Zandvoort. Originally, the Dutch Grand Prix picked a May 3rd berth on the calendar. However, the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic may throw the race in doubt.
With Australia, Bahrain, Vietnam and China out of action, the Netherlands would have been the opening round of the 2020 season. However, an FIA statement decreed that F1 expects to commence the championship in Europe from the 1st May. On the other hand, F1’s own statement contradicted it and predicted that the season will begin by the end of May.
Why is there such confusion over rescheduling F1?
With regard to the conflicting dates, the reason lies with the Dutch Grand Prix organisers themselves. As it turns out, they are preparing to announce plans to reschedule the Formula One race for later in the season. However, this is only possible if an available date can be found.
Unfortunately, that would mean that the Spanish Grand Prix on May 10th would be the earliest race on the calendar. In a topsy turvy period, Spain is one of the few races to escape postponement or cancellation, for now. The bad news is that Spain is also one of the European countries, caught up in the coronavirus drama.
Coming back to Zandvoort, the iconic circuit has been heavily renovated ahead of its grand return. As mentioned before, this is the first time that F1 has stepped on Dutch soil since 1985. Ahead of the season, home hero Max Verstappen piloted a Red Bull RB8 around the track in a demonstration run after the modifications were completed.
