F1: Hungarian Grand Prix Due to Take Place Without Fans

Officials from both the Hungarian Grand Prix and Formula One have confirmed this morning that the race scheduled for August 2nd will take place behind closed doors to fans when the dates are decided.

Due to Hungarian Government directives, all events with over 500 people in attendance have been banned until at least August 15th and left the Grand Prix chiefs with little choice than to make the same decision as Silverstone bosses did a few days ago as circuit boss Stuart Pringle announced that the British Grand Prix would run two races behind closed doors.

The race originally scheduled to run in early August is likely to face competition from the likes of Spain and Italy who will also be hoping to run their Grand Prix in a now very congested 2020 calendar that sees F1 attempt to make as little disruption as possible by moving through continents in a calendar that has been blown apart in recent months.

However, inside reports are that officials are confident that the Hungarian Grand Prix will go ahead at a later date in the summer as part of the European leg of the season.

The Hungarian Grand Prix becomes the 14th race to either postpone, cancel or alter its attendance due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. Although, there is light at the end of the tunnel for Formula One fans with races due to take place away from live crowds rather than cancelled outright.

Officials from the Grand Prix in Hungary said of the July event:

“The Hungaroring team has been waiting until the very end and is still working with the international rights holder, but it has now become clear that we cannot hold the 35th Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix in front of spectators despite all our efforts.”

“In recent weeks, we have been constantly voicing that we are open to any solution in order to host the Grand Prix again this year, and it became clear yesterday that all this is only possible behind closed gates”

Fans who have already purchased tickets will have the option of deferring them to the 2021 season, or receive a full priced refund.

The 2020 Formula One season is slated to start with two races in Austria on July 5th and a week later on July 12th and we will keep you up to date with all changes as they happen.