Salvage aims for F1 season

FORMULA One could shorten grand prix weekends and race into January if that helps salvage a season ravaged by the coronavirus, according to Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto.

The opening race in Australia on March 15 was cancelled and the showcase Monaco Grand Prix in May has also been scrapped, the first time since 1954 that it has not featured on the championship calendar.

A further six rounds have been postponed, and more look likely to follow with countries in lockdown, but F1 bosses have said they hope to get back on track some time in the European summer with a reduced season of 15 to 18 races.

Binotto said that the teams had given the F1 powers that be complete freedom to do what was necessary to have a championship.

“We are in constant dialogue,” he told Sky Sports Italia. “I have felt, along with the other team principals, that these are decisive moments.

“We’ve decided to give complete freedom to (Formula One chairman Chase) Carey and the FIA to put together as soon as possible a timetable for us to get racing again, we are willing on our side.

“We’re assessing various ideas; races closer together, maybe doing two or three races in January, considering also the option of cancelling (Friday) practice.”

F1 needs a minimum of eight races for a valid championship and the 2020 season is currently due to end in Abu Dhabi on November 29.

The sport normally has a break until launches and preseason testing in February but, with cars now remaining the same in 2021 with major rule changes deferred a year to save money, there would be little need for that anyway.

The 2020 championship was originally meant to have a record 22 races, with Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton hoping to equal Michael Schumacher’s record seven titles and surpass the Ferrari great’s unprecedented 91 wins.

Hamilton so far has 84 wins.