F1 extends shutdown to 35 days

Formula 1 has agreed to extend its shutdown period from 21 to 35 days which will apply to all teams and power unit manufacturers.

Last month F1 teams agreed to move the traditional three-week summer break from August to cover March and the first half of April. But with no action set to take place for the foreseeable future, all teams have given approval to increase the shutdown period by another two weeks which will see the shutdown in place until May.

Each F1 team and power unit manufacturer can select when they take the mandatory shutdown, but with all squads already ‘off’ it means each individual shutdown period in place will be extended by two weeks.

“Following unanimous approval by the Formula 1 Strategy Group, Commission and all teams, the World Motor Sport Council has ratified by e-vote the decision to extend the Formula 1 shutdown period from 21 to 35 days, to be taken in March, April and/or May, for all competitors and Power Unit manufacturers,” an FIA statement confirmed.

“Further discussions regarding this topic remain open between the FIA, Formula 1 and all teams in light of the ongoing global impact of COVID-19.”

The decision comes after the latest crunch talks between the sport’s bosses, F1 team leaders and FIA President Jean Todt held by video conference on Monday (April 6).

The proposal to delay the technical rules overhaul until 2023 has already been rejected, having already postponed the changes to 2022, while the teams continue to debate lowering the cost cap which comes in from 2021.

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has led calls to lower the team cost cap to $100 million per season but is willing to find a compromise, as he fears up to four F1 teams could be forced out of business amid the coronavirus crisis which has hit the 2020 season.

Ferrari and Red Bull are believed to be the major opponents to lowering the cost cap, reasoning the one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for teams using different business models.

The 2020 F1 season is currently set to get underway on June 14 at the Canadian Grand Prix, but that date looks unlikely given the travel restrictions and current situation around the coronavirus crisis.

F1 CEO Chase Carey says he is aiming to run between 15 to 18 races in 2018 and hopes to start the season later this year when it is safe to do so.

Find out here when each F1 team is shutting down for the 'summer break'.