French Grand Prix the 10th F1 race to be called off

Le Castellet will not host a race in 2020 after talks with the French government left it ‘impossible’ to stage a Grand Prix under the current coronavirus lockdown restrictions

The French Grand Prix has become the 10th Formula One race in 2020 to be called off due to the coronavirus crisis, with the event appearing to have been cancelled following communication from the government.

In a statement released by the race organisers on Monday, it was confirmed that the current restrictions in France mean that it is impossible for the Grand Prix to go ahead at Le Castellet in late June.

A statement read: “Due to the declarations of the President of the French Republic to ban major events until at least the middle of July and to maintain the closure of the Schengen area until further notice, and the recent decisions announced by the French Government to fight against the spread of the Covid-19 virus, the GIP Grand Prix de France – Le Castellet takes note of the impossibility to maintain the Formula One Grand Prix de France on 28 June.

“The health and safety of its spectators, its partners and all those involved in Formula One is a priority. The GIP Grand Prix de France – Le Castellet supports the decisions taken by the French Government.

“The Formula One Grand Prix de France would like to thank its clients, all the administrators of its GIP, the Circuit Paul Ricard, all its partners and the companies accompanying it in the organisation of this event.”

The FIA added: “The promoter of the FIA Formula 1 French Grand Prix has acknowledged that the 2020 edition of the event cannot take place following the instructions of the French government.”

French prime minister Edouard Philippe will on Tuesday present France’s plans to ease the country out of lockdown, but after weeks of strict guidelines, it quickly became clear that mass gathering events such as the French Grand Prix will not be able to go ahead as initially planned.

Former McLaren and Renault team principal Eric Boullier, who is now managing director for the event, clarified that the conditions meant it was “impossible” to hold the Grand Prix, and said that they are now looking forward to 2021 with the Le Castellet round unlikely to be part of the rescheduled calendar.

“Given the evolution of the situation linked to the spread of the Covid-19 virus, the French Grand Prix takes note of the decisions announced by the French State making it impossible to maintain our event,” Boullier said.

“The eyes of the GIP Grand Prix de France – Le Castellet are already turning towards the summer of 2021 in order to offer our spectators an even more original event in the heart of the Southern Region. “

Chase Carey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Formula One, added: ” We have been in close contact with the French promoter during this evolving situation and while it is disappointing for our fans and the F1 community that the French Grand Prix will not take place we fully support the decision taken by the French authorities in France and look forward to being back at Paul Ricard soon.”