Great uncertainty in Formula 1

After reports of a corona-related postponement of the start in Australia, Formula 1 is threatened with further changes to the racing calendar. President Jean Todt of the International Automobile Federation FIA expects that at least the first half of this year “will not be such that we can have anything close to a normal season”. The 74-year-old Frenchman also assumes that “in the next few days we will hear a lot of possible changes in the various calendars, not just in Formula 1,” as he was quoted by several motorsport specialist portals on Tuesday.

It was only on Monday that there were media reports that the planned first race on March 21st in Melbourne could probably not take place as hoped. The reason for this is the measures to combat the pandemic in Australia. The crux of the matter should be a 14-day quarantine for everyone involved. It is unclear when the Grand Prix can be rescheduled later in the year. However, negotiations are already underway, as the Victoria state government announced. There is no official confirmation of the postponement yet. If that happens, the Formula 1 year could not begin until the end of March in the Bahrain desert. Corona situation still tense There are actually supposed to be 23 races this year – more than ever before. But the plans for a return to normality with stops in Europe, Asia, North and South America, the Middle East and Australia seem too ambitious. “Unfortunately it’s not over,” said Todt about the tense Corona situation worldwide. “There are still lockdowns. The restrictions caused by the virus are there.”

The pandemic had already led to many changes in 2020. After the start of the season in Austria was delayed by several months, there were only 17 instead of 22 races. It could only be driven in Europe and the Middle East. “I think 2020 was a great season with a lot of creativity,” Todt said. Although it was at least possible to hold a World Cup, it led to millions in losses for the organizers and fear of existence for the small racing teams. This is one of the reasons why there should be a world tour again in 2021 and the fans should return to the track as quickly as possible. At least 15 races must take place Media reports at the end of last year suggested that the Formula 1 management had already secured the commitment of all countries that the entire entourage of at least around 1000 people would be allowed to enter the country under special conditions. In the case of Australia, this doesn't seem to be working yet, at least on the planned date. However, a total of 23 rounds of the season could also offer the possibility of canceling individual events at short notice if the pandemic continues to be uncontrollable. A buffer is also important from a financial perspective, because in 2020 the rule was that in order for the TV money to flow in full, at least 15 races had to take place.

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Great uncertainty in Formula 1

A quick return to normality is becoming increasingly unlikely for Formula 1. It's not just the start of the season in Australia that seems difficult to implement. Further difficulties threaten.

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