F1 News: First 8 Races Of 2020 Scheduled

The 2020 Formula 1 season has been on hold due to the global pandemic but the racing action is scheduled to finally begin in July. The schedule for the first 8 races of the delayed season has been revealed by F1 along with the new parameters that will be applied during the race weekends.

This decision to start the sport in July has been taken with consent from all the associated authorities such as the FIA, the teams, the drivers, the government authorities and the organizers for the venue. It is also in sync with other televised sports resuming activities in and around July such as football. Updated protocols to ensure the safety of all F1 personnel includes regular testing of track personnel, maintaining local social distancing norms and zero attendees for the time being. For a comprehensive FAQ regarding the situation, check out F1’s article on the matter here.

Onto the race schedule for July to August 2020: 8 races over 5 venues. Since certain Grand Prix had to be cancelled due to various logistical reasons, certain circuits will be hosting two race weekends to make up the numbers. 

Back to back race weekends will be hosted at the Red Bull Ring (Austrian GP) and Silverstone (UK GP). The sport hopes to conduct a total of 15 to 18 races before the end of the year, stretching the season into December instead of its usual ending in November. 

Chase Carey, Chairman and CEO of Formula 1, said: “In the past weeks we have been working tirelessly with all our partners, the FIA and the teams to create a revised opening 2020 calendar allowing us to restart racing in the safest possible way.

“While we currently expect the season to commence without fans at our races we hope that over the coming months the situation will allow us to welcome them back once it is safe to do, but we know the return of Formula 1 will be a welcome boost to sports fans around the world.”

As someone who never gets to go to F1 races anyway, this does not change much for me as a fan. However, I imagine the empty grandstands would feel amiss once the cars are out on the track, especially for the drivers. Despite its critics, Formula 1 is a spectator sport after all. 

I know I’ll be sure to stock up on refreshments for the season-opening double-header in Austria on July 5. What essential supplies will you be stocking up on? Let us know in the comments below and don’t forget to subscribe to The Auto Loons for more updates and automotive content.