Another Big Blow for F1 Amid the Coronavirus Crisis
Follow Us
The chances of hosting a Formula One race in 2020, is growing slimmer and slimmer by the day. As it turns out, the French Grand Prix is possibly the next victim to face the F1 postponement axe. The speculation comes in the wake of France extending its ban on large public gatherings until July.
Since the French Grand Prix at the Paul Ricard circuit is scheduled for June 28th, the likelihood of that race going ahead is slim. Previously, Formula One targeted France to play host to the opening round of the 2020 Formula 1 season. Unfortunately, the global situation is worsening, and the event is under threat.
French president Emmanuel Macron extended France’s ban on mass gatherings until at least mid-July. This spells bad news for French F1 fans, as the French Grand Prix falls into that window.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“Places where people gather – restaurants, cafes, hotels, cinemas, theatres, concert halls and museums – will remain closed,” said Marcon.
“Big festivals and events with large public gatherings cannot take place before mid-July at the earliest. The [national] situation will be evaluated collectively from mid-May, every week, to adapt things and give you visibility.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
How will this affect the 2020 F1 season?
The coronavirus pandemic even forced France to close their borders with non-European countries until further notice. Macron’s order places F1’s ability to commence the 2020 season under even more doubt. They even shot down the idea of hosting a race behind closed doors.
F1 sporting boss Ross Brawn admitted that he has no quarrel against grands prix taking place without spectators. This is because, he also wants the 2020 F1 season to get underway as soon as possible.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
Daniel Ricciardo To Be Replaced by Liam Lawson After Miami, F1 Pundit Dishes Out Harsh Verdict After Australian’s “Amateur Mistake”
April 17, 2024 11:14 AM EDT
Max Verstappen Sabotaged Daniel Ricciardo’s Only Chance of Getting the Red Bull Seat for 2025
April 21, 2024 11:59 AM EDT
F1 Rumor: Christian Horner and Wife Geri to Publicly Reveal All Details on Leaked Chat Scandal
April 22, 2024 04:10 PM EDT
Carlos Sainz Blames Charles Leclerc for Causing Fred Vasseur’s Painful Chinese GP Loss
April 21, 2024 12:23 PM EDT
Miami GP 2024: Max Verstappen Embraces the American Spirit With Helmet Design
April 23, 2024 06:15 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
However, since Formula One employs around 2,000 people, hosting a French Grand Prix is also out of question for a while. If F1 postpones the French GP, it will be the 10th grand prix to face such a fate.
Furthermore, the Austrian Grand Prix in July could mark the start of the 2020 season. Unless of course the local authorities also postpone the race. Already Silverstone confirmed that it is unlikely that the British GP will go ahead on its designated date.
Written by:
