Several Grand Prix of the 2020 F1 schedule have been postponed due to the coronavirus
Formula One, like every major sport in the world, is still dealing with the effects of the coronavirus.
The 2020 F1 schedule was to start on 15 March in Melbourne, Australia. All plans were set for the weekend, even though some racers were unsure about the event.
The coronavirus pandemic wasn’t full-blown in Australia by that point, but one McLaren team member did catch the virus.
That led to the entire team pulling out from the event as several of their members were put under quarantine.
The authorities finally relented to pressure and called off the weekend just on the first day of practice. Things haven’t improved much in recent weeks either and the FIA and F1 authorities have pushed back the 2020 season.
The first eight races of the season have been postponed, however, the 2020 Monaco Grand Prix has been cancelled from the F1 calendar.
June is expected to host the first event of the season in Canada, however, things could be different then if the coronavirus isn’t contained or eliminated
List of Formula One races which can be affected:
June
There are two races for this month with Canada hosting one and the other in France. Both countries have had several cases of the coronavirus and the important issue of transporting goods from North America to Europe has to be dealt with.
Lewis Hamilton won both events last year, and it will be interesting to see if the season goes ahead.
July
Many outlets have claimed that some sports could resume once June is over. July features a couple of big and historic races in the F1 calendar with The British GP and the Austrian GP.
The Austrian Grand Prix often sees thousands of Dutch fans throng to support Max Verstappen. The 2020 Dutch GP is one of the races that has been postponed this season, and it will be interesting to see if the season starts with the Austrian GP followed by a trip to Silverstone.
August
Hungary could be the next event that gets hit by the virus. Hopefully, the coronavirus subsides by then, but the 2020 Hungarian and Belgian Grand Prix will be under threat of being postponed or cancelled.
September
It would be extremely weird if the season got underway in September or even later but the races that are on the chopping block in this month are in Italy, Singapore and Russia.
We all know how Italy is struggling to deal with the virus while Singapore has done a decent job on keeping things in control.
Russia is also doing their bit to keep things in check. However, not having any races in this month would more or less ensure that the season is wiped out too.
October
Japan and the US hold a couple of races in this month. Japan has also done well in controlling the virus. The US, however, has seen a surge in cases, especially in New York recently.
The Japanese Grand Prix is another historic event, and it would be a shame if it got cancelled.
November
The final month of this season’s calender featured the Mexican, Brazilian and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
All three should be relatively safe to be held later in the year. However, would there be any point in holding them if the rest of the calender is called off?
Further, the other races would also have to be rescheduled and it will be interesting to see what happens in June.
The FIA has put up a tentative date that the 2020 F1 season can start from the Canadian GP. Hopefully, we get to see some form of racing soon.
More Formula One news
-
Max Verstappen could be unstoppable with this by his side claims F1 legend Alain Prost
-
Lewis Hamilton leaving could open door for Fernando Alonso to return claims Nate Saunders
-
Max Verstappen will be allowed to concentrate on race during 2020 Dutch Grand Prix weekend
Follow our dedicated Formula One page for instant Formula One news and updates