Start of F1 campaign postponed until ‘after May’

THE Monaco, Spanish and Dutch Formula One Grands Prix have been postponed, with the season in utter chaos due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Having already axed the Australian Grand Prix and races in China, Bahrain and Vietnam, the FIA has announced the season will definitely not commence until the end of May at the earliest.

An official statement read: “In view of the continued global spread of COVID-19 and after ongoing discussions with Formula 1 and the three promoters, it has today been confirmed that the Formula 1

Dutch Grand Prix 2020, Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix 2020 and Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix 2020 will be postponed.

“The FIA, Formula 1 and the three promoters have taken these decisions in order to ensure the health and safety of the travelling staff, championship participants and fans, which remains our primary concern.

“The FIA and Formula 1 continue to work closely with affected promoters and local authorities to monitor the situation and take the appropriate amount of time to study the viability of potential alternative dates for each Grand Prix later in the year should the situation improve.

“The FIA and Formula 1 expect to begin the 2020 Championship season as soon as it is safe to do so after May and will continue to regularly monitor the ongoing COVID-19 situation.”

The Dutch, Spanish and Monaco Grands Prix were all scheduled to take place in May.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is due to take place in Baku on June 7 but will also be under immense threat of being axed due to the disease.