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Coronavirus summary: What has happened this week in Formula 1?

Coronavirus summary: What has happened this week in Formula 1?

20-03-2020 10:40

The start of the Formula 1 season will be delayed for a while due to the coronavirus. However, that does not alter the fact that there was important news this week and that is what GPblog lists for you in the Weekly Roundup.

Grand Prix of the Netherlands and Spain postponed

The rumours have been in the air for some time, but Formula 1 has officially announced this week that the Grands Prix of the Netherlands and Spain will be postponed. These races still have a chance of returning to the calendar. The F1 teams are now holding their summer break early to race in the planned summer break.

2021 rules postponed, the budget cap will remain for 2021

Due to the coronavirus and the delayed start to the season, Formula 1, FIA and teams have unanimously decided to postpone the rules for 2021. In 2021, the drivers will, therefore, drive the cars for another year under the current regulations, so that the teams will only have to introduce a new car in 2022. However, the budget cap will remain until 2021.

Monaco Grand Prix cancelled

In addition to the postponed Grands Prix of Spain and the Netherlands, the Monaco Grand Prix has even been completely canceled. The race in the principality has been on the calendar every year since 1954, but will not take place in 2020 after the infection of Prince Albert.

Mercedes pulled the plug on the Australian Grand Prix

The Australian Grand Prix was called off at the last minute and Helmut Marko has meanwhile addressed who was responsible for that: Mercedes. According to the Austrian, the German team exchanged ideas overnight, so the race could not take place at the last minute.

F1 under attack after handling Australian Grand Prix

Formula 1 is under attack after the dramatic performance in Australia. Formula 1 drivers were already on their way home, but fans and media were in front of a closed-circuit without information and no apologies came. It has caused a lot of commotion on the internet. However, the way the bosses have handled subsequent information has been praised. 

This article first appeared on the Dutch version of GPblog.com/nl. Written by Tim Kraaij