When each F1 team is shutting down for the ‘summer break’
Update: F1 has agreed to extend its shutdown from three to five weeks covering March, April and May
Formula 1 teams have agreed to bring forward the summer shutdown to March to free up the August break for races after disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
The global COVID-19 crisis has caused havoc to the planned start of the 2020 F1 season, with the opening four rounds in Australia, Bahrain, China and Vietnam being postponed, with further cancellations expected.
Update: F1 has agreed to extend its shutdown from three to five weeks covering March, April and May
Formula 1 teams have agreed to bring forward the summer shutdown to March to free up the August break for races after disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
The global COVID-19 crisis has caused havoc to the planned start of the 2020 F1 season, with the opening four rounds in Australia, Bahrain, China and Vietnam being postponed, with further cancellations expected.
F1 hopes the season can get underway at the end of May with the Monaco Grand Prix but the situation remains “fluid” as the ongoing coronavirus outbreak develops at a rapid pace.
Sporting chief Ross Brown remains confident that 17-18 races can still be held, with F1 hoping to rearrange affected races later in the campaign, with some expected to fill the traditional August break that has now been freed.
As a result, teams are beginning to confirm their plans regarding when they will shutdown their respective factories for an extended three-week break over the next month.
While teams have the freedom to choose exactly when they begin their shutdown, they must adhere to a consecutive 21-day period.
A statement issued by the FIA on Wednesday said: "In light of the global impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus currently affecting the organisation of FIA Formula One World Championship events, the World Motor Sport Council has approved a change to the 2020 FIA Formula 1 Sporting Regulations, moving the summer shutdown period from July and August to March and April and extending it from 14 to 21 days.
"All competitors must therefore observe a shutdown period of 21 consecutive days during the months of March and/or April. The change was supported unanimously by both the F1 Strategy Group and F1 Commission.”
Here is when each team is shutting down….
Ferrari: March 19
Haas: March 19
Alfa Romeo: March 23
Red Bull: March 27
Mercedes: March 19
McLaren: March 25
Renault: Viry-Chatillon: March 20 Enstone: March 30
AlphaTauri: March 23
Racing Point: March 25
Williams: March 26
This article will be updated frequently as teams announce their plans.