Grands Prix latest casualties as three races taken off grid

FORMULA One has confirmed that the Dutch, Spanish and Monaco Grands Prix have all been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The three races were due to take place in May, meaning the earliest the new season can now start is on June 7 in Azerbaijan.

The announcement follows a crunch conference call involving FIA president Jean Todt, F1 bosses Chase Carey and Ross Brawn and the 10 team principals on Thursday.

A joint statement from F1 and the FIA read: “In view of the continued global spread of COVID-19 and after ongoing discussions with Formula

One and the three promoters, it has today been confirmed that the Dutch Grand Prix 2020, Spanish Grand Prix 2020 and Monaco Grand Prix 2020 will be postponed.

“Due to the ongoing and fluid nature of the COVID-19 situation globally, the FIA, Formula One 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 One 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 One expect to begin the 2020 Championship season as soon as it is safe to do so after May.”

Yesterday’s announcement means the opening seven races have now been postponed after the Australian Grand Prix was cancelled and the events in Bahrain, Vietnam and China suspended.