Formula 1 shutdown moved to March and April and extended

Published on 18 March 2020 by Niels Hendrix

In light of the global impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus currently affecting the organisation of FIA Formula 1 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 Formula 1 teams must therefore observe a shutdown period of 21 consecutive days during the months of March and/or April. Aston Martin Red Bull Racings currently plans to shutdown on 27th March for a three week period, however due to the ever changing nature of the pandemic there may be some flexibility around these dates.

The change was supported unanimously by both the F1 Strategy Group and F1 Commission.