Following the cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix, Formula 1 and the FIA made the decision on 13 March to postpone the beginning of the 2020 season due to the worldwide outbreak of the COVID-19 virus.
Along with this, the sport and its promoters are currently working to find alternative dates for the Grands Prix to be held in Bahrain and Vietnam, scheduled for 20-22 March and 3-5 April respectively.
“The global situation regarding COVID-19 is fluid and very difficult to predict and it’s right we take time to assess the situation and make the right decisions. We are taking this decision with the FIA and our promoters to ensure the safety of everyone involved in Formula 1 and our fans,” said Formula One Chairman and CEO Chase Carey in an official press statement.
“The Bahrain Grand Prix is an exciting race in our schedule, and we look forward to being back there as soon as we can. We are also looking forward to Vietnam’s inaugural race and bringing the spectacle of F1 to one of the most exciting cities in the world.”
Formula 1 and the FIA are hoping to be able to start the season towards the end of May, beginning the season in Europe. However, this would mean no Grands Prix in Spain or the Netherlands, to be held on the freshly banked corners of Zandvoort, and home race to Red Bull Racing star Max Verstappen.
With both NASCAR and IndyCar now postponing their races this weekend, the COVID-19 scare continues to eat through not just the motorsports world but freezing the sports world entirely.
