F1 backed to have to ‘close down’ all 2020 races as coronavirus crisis causes chaos
F1 bosses have been told to "close down" all 2020 races by former Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus: F1 apologise for cancelling Australian Grand Prix
F1 chiefs have been urged to admit defeat that any Formula One races will be held this year. That is the opinion of Bernie Ecclestone, who thinks it is the best option given the chaos that has ensued as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The 2020 season was due to begin in Australia with the first race to be held on March 15, however, the race in Melbourne was then postponed because of the virus.
Seven Grand Prixs have now been postponed with Azerbaijan the latest to join a growing list that includes, Australia, Bahrain, Vietnam, China, the Netherlands and Spain.
Meanwhile, the Monaco Grand Prix has been cancelled as it is not possible to organise the event at a later date.
Ecclestone thinks the season should be stopped and that the focus should now be put on hosting races in 2021.
JUST IN: Max Verstappen drops hint over future as F1 star opens up on 'crazy' life at Red Bull
“Today what would I do? I think I’d have to say we’re going to close down talk of having any races this year,” Ecclestone said.
“That’s the only thing you could do safely for everybody so nobody starts making silly arrangements which may not be able to happen.”
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which was due to take place on June 7, is the latest race to be postponed, with the Canadian Grand Prix on June 14 now also in doubt.
DON'T MISS
Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes future in doubt after Toto Wolff decision
Why Max Verstappen is wrong to play mind games with Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton explains one major concern ahead of Australian GP
F1 bosses still hope they can run a season of 15 to 18 races, starting at some point in the summer, but Ecclestone was not confident about this happening either.
“I’d be very, very, very surprised if they managed to achieve that,” said Ecclestone.
“I hope they do. I really hope they do. They could run three or four races at the beginning of next year and still count to the 2020 championship.
“The problem is where are you going to have them where the teams can go and the promoter wants to run a race.
“It’s all very well making the calendar, which you can do while you wait. The big problem is getting the promoters to want to run the race.”
One race Ecclestone thinks will not go ahead is the British Grand Prix, which is scheduled for July 19.
“Silverstone can’t run, for sure,” added Ecclestone.
However, the 89-year-old believes F1 owners Liberty Media could take advantage of the current circumstances to change things for the better.
"It could be a good opportunity for Liberty to really get control of everything," he said.
"Take over from all of the promoters and cut the costs immediately to teams, so they are going to need about 70 people instead of 700."