F1 CEO Chase Carey provided an update on the drawing-up of the 2020 calendar in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic upsetting the initial schedule. Following the highly-anticipated cancellation of the French GP and Silverstone’s announcement, Carey assured that kicking off the season in Austria is the main target.

Although the development of any 2020 may still be subject to further modifications, the American is confident that the first race can take place as early as in July, ‘finishing the season in the Gulf in December with Bahrain before the traditional finale in Abu Dhabi, having completed between 15-18 races’.

Therefore, the initial plan to dispute from 15 to 18 races is still up and running. Carey also confirmed that the first races of the season will be participants-only events, as Silverstone Managing Director Stuart Pringle announced earlier this morning regarding the British GP.

“Although this morning it was announced that the French GP, due to take place in late June, will not be going ahead, we are now increasingly confident with the progress of our plans to begin our season this summer” he stated.

“We will publish our finalised calendar as soon as we possibly can”.

“We expect the early races to be without fans but hope fans will be part of our events as we move further into the schedule. We still have to work out many issues like the procedures for the teams and our other partners to enter and operate in each country”.

Coming up with a definitive 2020 schedule is not the only priority to Liberty Media and the FIA, as running for cover with an adequate set of regulations is key to safeguard the future of all teams through adversity.

“While we have been moving forward with our 2020 plans, we have also been working hard with the FIA and the teams to strengthen the long term future of Formula 1 through an array of new technical, sporting, and financial regulations that will improve the competition and action on the track and make it a healthier business for all involved, particularly as we engage the issues created by the COVID-19 pandemic” he added.

“All of our plans are obviously subject to change as we still have many issues to address and all of us are subject to the unknowns of the virus. We all want the world to return to the one we know and cherish, yet we recognise it must be done in the right and safest way. We look forward to doing our part by enabling our fans to once again safely share the excitement of Formula 1 with family, friends, and the broader community”.