Motorsport TechnologyIt has been announced that the Monaco Grands Prix will not feature on the Formula One calendar for the first time since 1954, with the FIA announcing a possible return to racing after May.
The latest announcement comes after the cancellation of the season opening Australian Grand Prix and the postponement of the Chinese, Bahrain and Vietnam Grands Prix. In addition, the radical new regulation changes set to shake up the grid and promote closer racing from 2021 has been delayed until 2022.
BREAKING: The Monaco Grand Prix will not take place in 2020, announces @ACM_Media
It is the first time since 1954 that F1 will not race in the Principality #F1 #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/HtS2md4Iq4
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 19, 2020
“In view of the continued global spread of COVID-19 and after ongoing discussions with the FIA and the three promoters it has today been confirmed that the Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2020, Formula 1 Gran Premio De España 2020 and Formula 1 Grand Prix De Monaco 2020 will be postponed,” read an earlier FIA statement, before the Monaco cancellation was confirmed. “Formula 1 and the FIA expect to begin the 2020 Championship season as soon as it’s safe to do so after May and will continue to regularly monitor the ongoing COVID-19 situation.”
With regards to the postponement of the regulation changes, with so much uncertainty surrounding when the surely curtailed 2020 season will begin, it appeared to be the only appropriate course of action.
“Following unanimous agreement between the FIA, Formula 1 and all teams, the implementation of the Technical Regulations due to take effect from the 2021 season will be postponed until 2022,” read a separate statement. “All parties further discussed the current situation of the 2020 championship and how the sport will react to the ongoing challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Due to the currently volatile financial situation this has created, it has been agreed that teams will use their 2020 chassis for 2021, with the potential freezing of further components to be discussed in due course. The introduction and implementation of the Financial Regulations will go ahead as planned in 2021, and discussions remain ongoing between the FIA, Formula 1 and all teams regarding further ways to make significant cost savings.
BREAKING: F1, the FIA and all 10 teams have unanimously agreed to delay the introduction of the 2021 technical regulations by a year to 2022 ⬇️#F1
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 19, 2020
“All teams expressed their support for the FIA and Formula 1 in their ongoing efforts to restructure the 2020 calendar as the global situation regarding COVID-19 develops. All of these commitments will be referred to the relevant governing structures for final ratification.”
Craig Scarborough
Fraser Masefield