FIA extends F1 shutdown to 63 days amid COVID-19 crisis

The FIA has announced a further extension to the mandatory shutdown period for all Formula 1 teams due to the coronavirus crisis.

After the COVID-19 pandemic caused severe delays to the start of the 2020 F1 season, all 10 teams agreed last month to bring forward the summer shutdown period from August to the spring to free up more time in the summer months for races to be rescheduled.

The initial shutdown period was 21 days, which was then extended earlier this month to 35 days. It has since been extended further to 63 consecutive days (nine weeks) for team factories to close during the months of March, April, May and also June if required. 

F1 and the FIA has also agreed to extend the shutdown period for power unit manufacturers’ from 35 to 49 days. The FIA says that after 50 days, each team can use up to 10 team personnel to "work remotely on long lead time projects"

“The World Motor Sport Council has approved a further extension to the shutdown period for competitors and Power Unit manufacturers in the FIA Formula One World Championship in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” an FIA statement read.

“All competitors must now observe a shutdown period increased from 35 to 63 consecutive days during the months of March, April, May and/or June. 50 days after the start of their shutdown period, upon application by a competitor, and subject to the prior written approval of the FIA, each competitor may use the services of a maximum of ten personnel to work remotely on long lead time projects.

“The shutdown period for Power Unit manufacturers has been extended from 35 to 49 consecutive days during the months of March, April, May and/or June. 36 days after the start of their shutdown period, upon application by a Power Unit manufacturer, and subject to the prior written approval of the FIA, each Power Unit manufacturer may use the services of a maximum of ten personnel to work remotely on long lead time projects.”

It comes after F1 revealed an initial outline of its rescheduled 2020 calendar plans, including a behind closed door season-opener in Austria on July. In total, F1 is targeting holding between 15 and 18 races before the end of the year.