The Monaco Grand Prix has been called off due to the coronavirus outbreak. It may be possible to reschedule the race later in the year, although there are doubts about whether this will be possible in a crowded schedule.
The decision came after talks onThursday, March 19, involving all 10 teams, the FIA and F1 officials. Other casualties are the Spanish and Dutch Grand Prix. The Bahrain, Vietnamese and Chinese events have already been postponed this season, while the Australia Grand Prix – which opens the season – was cancelled last weekend.
A joint statement from F1 and the FIA read: “In view of the continued global spread of Covid-19 and after ongoing discussions with Formula One and the three promoters, it has today been confirmed that the Dutch Grand Prix 2020, the Spanish Grand Prix 2020 and the Monaco Grand Prix 2020 will be postponed.
“Due to the ongoing and fluid nature of the Covid-19 situation globally, the FIA, Formula One and the three promoters have taken these decisions in order to ensure the health and safety of the travelling staff, championship participants and fans, which remains our primary concern.
“The FIA and Formula One continue to work closely with affected promoters and local authorities to monitor the situation and take the appropriate amount of time to study the viability of potential alternative dates for each Grand Prix later in the year should the situation improve.
“The FIA and Formula One expect to begin the 2020 Championship season as soon as it is safe to do so after May and will continue to regularly monitor the ongoing Covid-19 situation.”
The Grand Prix has been held every year since 1929, except from 1938 until 1950, and again in 1951.