Coronavirus: Spanish and Dutch GP events likely to be cancelled

Formula One 2020

Spanish and Dutch GP events likely to be cancelled

FIA and Formula 1 aim for season resumption at the end of May

Sam Hall

Saturday 14 March 2020 09:30 Updated: 09:45

Formula 1 and the FIA say that the season will resume at the end of May, suggesting that the Dutch and Spanish races could be facing postponement.

After being slow to react to the global coronavirus pandemic, Formula 1 officials are now looked to repair their image by announcing the postponement of both the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Vietnam Grand Prix.

However, a joint statement from Formula 1 and the FIA read, "As a result, Formula 1 and the FIA expect to begin the Championship in Europe at the end of May but given the sharp increase in COVID-19 cases in Europe in recent days, this will be regularly reviewed."

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Currently, the Dutch Grand Prix is scheduled for for May 3 with the Spanish round just one week later on May 10.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, former driver Karun Chandhok said, "I'm trying to think. I'm 36-years-old, and I can't think of anything in my generation that has swept across every corner of the planet to this extent.

"The statement has come out saying that it is the end of May, which indicates that Barcelona and Holland are probably the next two that are going to go."

Should the two events be postponed or cancelled, the calendar would shrink to just 16-races, the lowest number since 2003.

"We've got the August break at the moment," continued Chandhok. "There's a one month gap which is in the current calendar in August, so I can see them trying to slot in perhaps the two European races into that August break to bring it back up to 18.

"I can see that scenario unfolding. Obviously, this is a very dynamic situation. We'll have to see where it all plays out.

"I don't think we're going to get to 22, but if we get to 17 or 18 in the end then it's still a decent season."