F1 Grand Prix of Austria in Spielberg, Austria, June 30, 2019. /VCG
Formula One CEO Chase Carey on Monday said they are targeting a season start in Austria on July 5 as the French Grand Prix scheduled for June 28 at Le Castellet has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The season has yet to start and the race at the southern French circuit is the 10th to be affected by the new coronavirus.
"The decision of the French government to ban all major events until at least the middle of July, coupled with the travel restrictions in place to help contain the spread of coronavirus, meant it will be impossible for the Grand Prix to go ahead as planned," an F1 statement said.
Charles Leclerc of Ferrari during the F1 Grand Prix of Austria in Spielberg, Austria, June 30, 2019. /VCG
F1 bosses are currently working on a revised calendar for 2020, with Carey saying to start races in Europe through July, August and beginning of September.
"September, October and November, would see us race in Eurasia, Asia and the Americas, finishing the season in the Gulf in December with Bahrain before the traditional finale in Abu Dhabi, having completed between 15-18 races," added F1 CEO Carey .
Meanwhile, Silverstone are currently in talks with the British government and F1 bosses regarding the viability of hosting the race, which was set for July, but without fans.