Formula 1 may still add races that were not on the 2020 Formula 1 calendar. Chase Carey, CEO of Formula One Group, confirms talks are being held with alternative circuits.
In conversation with investors, Carey did not mention names on Thursday, but it is said that it mainly concerns circuits that were already frequently on the calendar in the past. Imola in Italy and Hockenheim in Germany are said to have expressed interest, as well as Portuguese Portimão, where a Formula 1 race has never been held before. Thanks to the addition of circuits, Formula 1 hopes to reach a season of fifteen to eighteen races. “And then it is possible that fans will be present in the second half of the year,” said Carey.
The plan is to finish a series of races in Europe first. “We expect it to be run without an audience,” Carey said. Races in Asia, the Middle East and America may not take place behind closed doors.
January 2021
After the first ten races of the Formula 1 season were canceled by the outbreak of the corona virus, it already became clear that Formula 1 wants to drive two races on some circuits. Carey is still aiming for an opening race in Austria on July 5, after which there will also be driven behind closed doors on July 12 on the Austrian Red Bull Ring.
The last GP of the season must take place in mid-December. “About a month from the original end date,” said Carey. He added that continuing until January 2021 is not the intention, but it is possible.