The 2020 Formula 1 calendar continues to be revised, in the lights of the ongoing COVID-19 emergency, with a new schedule expected to be published before the first race in Austria.

Today it has been confirmed that Japan, Singapore, and Azerbaijan will not be part of the Formula 1 2020 season. The Baku and Marina Bay races have been canceled due to the logistical constraints to prepare a street race in a short time-span, whereas ongoing travel restrictions led the Japanese organizers to not proceed with the race.

The Azerbaijani Grand Prix, following the postponement of the original date in June, has been canceled.  

A Formula 1 statement confirmed the decision: "We are confident in our plans to have between 15-18 races by the time our season concludes in Abu Dhabi in mid- December and expect to publish the finalized calendar before we start our season in Austria.

"As a result of the ongoing challenges presented by COVID-19, we and our promoters in Azerbaijan, Singapore, and Japan have taken the decision to cancel their races for the 2020 season.

"These decisions have been taken due to the different challenges our promoters face in those countries.

"At the same time we have made significant progress with existing and new promoters on the revised calendar and have been particularly encouraged by the interest that has been shown by new venues in hosting a Formula 1 race during the 2020 season.

"We appreciate this is still a time of uncertainty and complexity around the world and will continue to ensure we proceed with the 2020 season in a cautious and flexible way.

"We are confident in our plans to have between 15-18 races by the time our season concludes in Abu Dhabi in mid- December and expect to publish the finalized calendar before we start our season in Austria.

Ross Brawn affirmed that the plan for the second half is still under development. F1's motorsports chief added that several European tracks might be considered to have a satisfactory schedule.

"Things are moving fast, but we still have time," he said. "We have lots of different options and we're very confident we're going to have a great second half of the season.

"There is a contingency to have an extended European season with another one or two races if needed. I think Bahrain and Abu Dhabi will be the backstop of the season from what we can see at the moment. That gives us 10. We'll find at least five or six good races in the middle."

“There are a number of good European tracks where we could add another one or two races on to make sure we have a comprehensive season," he added. "We’re not going to declare it yet, as it’s still a work in progress.”