Despite been hit severely with the Coronavirus, the UK has not imposed any travel restrictions for travellers coming in from outside their country since the beginning of the crisis a couple of months ago.  

However, a few days ago the BBC reported that UK airlines were told by the government that they will be bringing in a 14-day quarantine period for anyone coming into the UK, with the exception of the Republic of Ireland.  

Speaking on UK national television last night in an address to the nation, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that a quarantine for air passengers arriving in the UK was coming “soon,” but didn’t say when this could come into force. 

If the imposition remains in place in July, it could thwart the plans of Formula 1 to restart the 2020 season. 

Formula 1 hopes to start the 2020 championship with two consecutive races at the Red Bull Ring on the first two Sunday’s in July. If an agreement can be reached with Silverstone, they hope to hold two races at the British circuit, too.  

Should the season start in Austria, everyone in the F1 paddock, as well as everyone working in the support categories, would have to enter the country between the Austrian and British events.  

An F1 spokesman commented to Motorsport.com: “We will wait to see the details and are in discussion with government regarding our plans to restart racing safely.” 

Ross Brawn said last week that there will be testing of all members of the paddock every 48 hours as part of the strategy to get the action back underway, and it’s hopeful that those able to present negative test results will be exempted by the UK authorities, which would allow them to enter or re-enter the country without having to abide by a 14-day quarantine.