F1 issues open letter to apologise to fans after cancelling races as Chase Carey admits sport faces uncertain future

Coronavirus outbreak has caused the first four races of the season to be called off and chief executive Carey admits he ‘cannot provide specific answers’ over when the season will finally get underway

Formula One chief executive and chairman Chase Carey has written an open letter to apologise to fans for cancelling the opening four races of the 2020 season, but admitted that he does not know what will come next for the sport.

F1 left it to the last minute to call off the Australian Grand Prix last weekend, with the decision coming hours before the start of first practice in Melbourne - some 12 hours after McLaren pulled out of the race due to one of their team members contracting coronavirus.

The global pandemic has seen all motorsport impacted by cancellations and postponements, and F1 officials are attempting to draft a new-look season that could get underway at the end of May, resulting in the first six races of the season being rescheduled or cancelled altogether.

But with so much uncertainty over how the coronavirus outbreak will develop over the next few months, Carey said that he was unable to update fans on a situation that remains “fluid”, though daily talks are taking place.

The letter read:

“Dear F1 Fans,

“We wanted to provide some thoughts and perspectives from last week as we address the coronavirus pandemic.

“First and foremost, our priority is the health and safety of the fans, teams, and organisations of Formula 1, as well as wider society.

“We apologise to those fans affected by the cancellation in Australia, as well as the postponement of the other races to date. These decisions are being made by Formula 1, the FIA, and our local promoters in rapidly changing and evolving circumstances, but we believe they are the right and necessary ones. We also want to extend our thoughts to those already affected, including those in the Formula 1 family.

“We recognise everyone wants to know what comes next for Formula 1 in 2020. We cannot provide specific answers today given the fluidity of the situation. However, we plan to get the 2020 Championship season underway as soon as it’s safe to do so. We are engaging with experts and officials on a daily basis as we evaluate how we go forward in the next few months. We will keep you updated and provide details as soon as possible on Formula1.com.

“We are grateful for your support and understanding and we wish you and your families all the best.

“Sincerely,

“Chase.”

F1 has already confirmed that the Australia, Bahrain, Vietnamese and Chinese rounds of the 2020 season have been called off, with the season-opener cancelled and the remaining three set to be rescheduled later in the year if possible.

But with the current plan to try and start the season at the end of May, both the Dutch and Spanish races will also be moved in what is likely to be a large season restructure in an effort to squeeze as many races into the year as possible.