Is the F1 Dutch Grand Prix on the Verge of Cancelation?

The coronavirus pandemic has been the bane of everyone’s existence and halted every public event. However, things cannot be helped and everyone is staying indoors for the sake of their safety. F1 is also sorely affected, with at least nine races pulling out. There is also a cloud of doubt over the rest of the races.

One of those races, is the Dutch Grand Prix, which was set to make its grand return to the racing scene. The Dutch GP Organisers at Zandvoort are eagerly awaiting an announcement by the Netherlands government on the COVID-19 situation.

Originally, the FIA set a May 3rd slot for the Dutch GP. However the country has banned all mass organised events until June 1. To make matters worse, there is a possibility of extending to the ban through September. Some say that the Dutch prime minister will make an announcement sometime soon.

Will there actually be an F1 Dutch Grand Prix this year?

“We are eagerly looking forward to the press conference,” Zandvoort circuit director Robert van Overdijk told De Telegraaf. “It is important not only for Formula 1, but also for the start-up of circuit operations. It has actually been stopped since the start of the circuit renovation in November.”

Sadly, it appears that the 2020 season is in danger of not getting off the ground at all. Several other venues have pulled out, for fear of the COVID-19 pandemic. So far, every country has observed their respective lockdown rules, and hosting a Grand Prix would only serve to undo all their hard work.

The F1 teams are aware of the situation’s gravity, as well and they are also trying to help in any way that they can. Meanwhile, the drivers are anxiously waiting for the season to begin and trying to while away the time. Some, like Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and others, are resorting to online racing. The rest are also hard at work, training and keeping themselves fit in case the season commences at short notice. They are also taking time away to spend time with their families. They normally don’t see them for a long period of time when the F1 season is on.