Bahrain Grand Prix 2020 Has Been Cancelled - F1 Coronavirus News

The Bahrain Grand Prix 2020 event, which should have taken place March 20 – 22 has been called off due to the coronavirus pandemic currently sweeping across the globe. The Bahrain Grand Prix was initially billed to take place behind closed doors.

However, the increasing number of the coronavirus infection led to the cancellation of the race, which will now see the start of the F1 season further delayed.

The new virus has brought an unfortunate standstill to all sporting activities in the EU. The suspension of all sporting activities has negatively affected the business of sport globally, with broadcasting networks and gambling companies one of the most heavily affected.

Bahrain Records More Than 300 COVID-19 Cases

The Bahrain Grand Prix was initially arranged to take place behind closed doors to curb the spread of the virus. However, the Formula 1 chief executive had to call off the race after Bahrain recorded the second causality of the COVID-19 virus from 334 cases. The call came after the government imposed a ban on foreigners who have visited Italy, Hong Kong, Singapore, amongst other countries 14 days before travelling to Bahrain. The cancellation saw the Bahrain Grand Prix become the third successive Formula 1 Grand Prix to be cancelled in the 2020 season after the Australian and China Grand Prix were respectively called off due to the coronavirus.

The FIA To Announce A Revised Formula 1 Calendar

F1’s chief executive said that the body would release a revised calendar. Chase Carey declared that there was a meeting between team principals, the FIA, and F1. The revised calendar will see many of the races that were postponed take place when the world will be a safer place. The FIA and Formula 1 will work together to draw up a revised calendar for this year. This will be done in consultation with the teams. However, it was agreed that the new calendar would not require the approval of the teams.

At the moment, the public is yet to have any idea what the Formula 1 revised calendar will look like. It is however expected to see many races being shoehorn into the calendar. There’s likely to be an increase in back to back races, and even a chance of having three Grand Prix in a row.

Previously, the attempt to move up the F1 summer break period from the month of August to this unoccupied period has been unpopular with the teams, as people will miss holiday and family time. However, with the current situation brought about by the Covid- 19 virus, it now appears that the teams have given the F1 chief executive the liberty to modify their schedule further.

Formula 1 Drivers Will Compete In Virtual Grands Prix To Make Up For Postponed Races

Upon the backdrop of the cancellation of the Bahrain Grand Prix, the Formula 1 will launch a brand new F1 E-Sports Grand Prix Virtual series. In a statement released by Formula One, the virtual racing will feature several F1 drivers.

This series was created to keep fans engaged because of the COVID-19 situation that has disrupted the 2020 Formula 1 calendar. The F1 Bahrain coronavirus issue is not the only one out there.

Final Thoughts

The virtual races will take place remotely, and fans can stream the races and bet on their favourite drivers on sport gambling platforms. The races will be held the same simultaneously with the cancelled races, with the Bahrain Grand Prix as the first race. The virtual races will not contribute to the F1 world championship. The intention is to have the virtual racing till the coronavirus is eliminated and the 2020 F1 season can begin.