March 19, 2020 –
The teams do not have to formally approve the upcoming changes to the Formula 1 calendar. Chase Carey, the CEO of Formula 1, has said. Normally, the teams must agree to any changes to the program, but now that a new date has to be found for quite a few races, it has been agreed to release the F1 organization.
On Thursday it was announced that due to the corona virus, the Dutch and Spanish Grand Prix have been postponed and the Monaco Grand Prix is canceled. The races in Bahrain and Vietnam had previously been canceled, while the season opener in Australia was canceled on the day that the first free practice sessions were scheduled to take place. Earlier, the Chinese Grand Prix had already been killed by the virus. All this has ensured that Formula 1 wants to give the calendar for 2020 a major metamorphosis, in order to give as many races as possible a place on the already packed program.
In response to the massive impact that the coronavirus has already had, and is likely to have, on Formula 1, a conference call was held on Thursday with representatives of Formula 1, representatives of the FIA and all ten team bosses. An important item on the agenda was of course the calendar for 2020. “After the news that several races have been postponed and the unanimous decision of the World Motor Sport Council to move the summer break in Formula 1 to March and April, we and the FIA discussed with the teams the need for flexibility to allow for a revised season once the situation regarding COVID-19 improves, “Carey said. In other words, Formula 1 has asked the teams to waive their right to vote on any calendar change.
The teams, which are still being consulted, have agreed. Carey: “At this meeting, there was full support for plans to reposition as many of the delayed races as possible on the schedule. Formula 1 and FIA are now working to finalize the revised 2020 calendar and the teams will consult, but as agreed, the revised calendar will not require their formal approval, giving us the flexibility we need to agree with new affected promoters on new data and get ready at the right time are to start racing. “
Carey also came back to the decision to postpone the new technical rules for 2021 by one year. Next year, a significantly different car would be introduced in Formula 1 that should make overtaking easier, but the teams are currently not waiting for the extra costs involved in developing a completely new car. Carey: “As the FIA announced, the meeting also unanimously agreed to postpone the introduction of the technical rules for 2021 to 2022. Due to the current turbulent financial situation, it has been agreed that the teams will continue their 2020 chassis in 2021 Later on, there will be further talk about freezing even more parts. “
All in all, according to Carey, it was a constructive meeting. “We are very grateful for all the cooperation that has been given during the talks and the fully united approach of all parties to race as fast as the world situation allows in 2020. Formula 1 will continue to work towards the 2020 season get started as soon as possible. “
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