Binotto: Formula 1 season could end in January 2021

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has suggested the 2020 Formula 1 season could end in January, as well as potentially adopt a two-day weekend.

The ideas are among those being investigated by the 10 teams, the Formula One Group and the FIA in an attempt to salvage a season currently being decimated by the coronavirus crisis.

F1 CEO Chase Carey suggested last week there remained the hope of cramming 15 to 18 races into a campaign that has already seen the first eight grands prix either postponed or cancelled, and with the Canadian GP in mid-June now the earliest possible start point.

“We are in constant dialogue,” said Binotto, speaking to Sky Sports Italia. “I have felt, along with the other team principals, that these are decisive moments.

“We’ve decided to give complete freedom to Carey and the FIA to put together as soon as possible a timetable for us to get racing again. We are willing on our side.

“We’re assessing various ideas - races closer together, maybe doing two or three races in January, considering also the option of cancelling (Friday) practice.

“If this allows us to guarantee a more complete 2020 world championship, with the following season not starting until March, there is great availability for that."

Under the regulations, F1 needs a minimum of eight grands prix to guarantee a world championship.

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