Formula 1 does not seem to be able to go to France: event ban until mid-July

The Grand Prix of France is in jeopardy. President Macron announced on Monday evening that events with a lot of spectators, such as a GP, will be banned until mid-July. It is one of the extra measures of the French government in the fight against the coronavirus.

The French Grand Prix is the next one on the current Formula 1 calendar (what's left of it). The race weekend will take place between 26 and 28 June, but this now seems very uncertain. For the French population the full lockdown will be extended until May 11th, another month.

Relocation for French GP?

A Grand Prix with an audience is out of the question at the end of June, but it is unclear whether a GP without fans will be allowed. However, a more likely scenario is that Liberty Media and the FOM, together with the promoters, will announce that the weekend will be moved within a few days.

Should that happen Austria will be the next country to try to set up a Grand Prix. There they have carefully started to pick up normal life and a weekend at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg with two races is certainly an option for the organization of Formula 1 according to the latest reports.