F1: Eight races in 10 weeks; safety measures put in place

Formula 1 action is just a month away. Austria will host the opening two rounds and Silverstone’s two races have been pencilled in for 2 and 9 August.

There will be no two day format, all races will take place without spectators and there will be a reduction from all personnel travelling to the races.

Charter flights will be used as much as possible as will private travel between the circuit, the airport and the hotel.

Social distancing will be in place whilst pre and post-race activities such as the national anthem, parc ferme, podiums and cool down rooms will be altered to ensure safe distances can be maintained, as will media obligations and interviews.

2020 Formula 1 Calendar So Far

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The second Austrian race will be called the Steiermark Grand Prix and Silverstone’s second grand prix will be named the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix to celebrate 70 years of F1 which started way back in 1950 at Silverstone.

A vote on the reverse grid proposal which would be used at the second Red Bull Ring and Silverstone races will take place this week.

The proposal is a reverse grid race that would set the grid for the main grand prix. However, Mercedes are against it and it needs unanimous agreement

Towards the end of this month, we should get more news on where Formula 1 goes after the Italian GP in September.

It all depends on what state the world is in in a few weeks time and whether there will be a second wave which could put any plans into disarray.

At the moment, Formula 1 is cautious about heading to the Americas given how much the coronavirus has hit North and South America.

Another grand prix in Italy following Monza is possible with Mugello and Imola candidates to host races.

Hockenheim is on standby too if Formula 1 struggles to make the flyaway races happen.

A big problem for Formula 1 and other international series such as Moto GP is that shipping costs have risen significantly so having races outside of Europe may cost a lot even if F1 does not have to pay a fee to the tracks.

It is understood that Formula 1 and Liberty Media are very confident of finishing the 2020 season with Bahrain on 6 December and Abu Dhabi on 13 December.