Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 season begins four months after the initial date. For this, we note the cancellation and suspension of several races this season.
Indeed, out of 22 races initially scheduled before the health crisis, only eight events have been officially selected for 2020 and these will all take place in Europe. The number of races could however be revised downwards if an outbreak of cases tested positive for covid19 were observed after the first races.
It should also be noted that the organizers are hard at work to find new dates that could accommodate additional races.
This new season will see slight changes in the rules. These come as a prelude to the big changes that will be applied in 2021.
For this year, the machines will all be equipped with a third braking energy recovery system: the MGU-K. With regard to penalties, we will also observe much more leniency on the part of the commissioners. Thus, before the race, in the event of a delay in weighing, the pilots will no longer have to start from the back of the grid. The same will apply for early departures giving rise to a 10 second stop-and-go in the pits.
On the other hand, the F1 season will see some changes this year. These are related to the current health situation in the world.
Indeed, in order to fight against the spread of the coronavirus, many measures have been taken by the organizers of the competition. This involves, among other things, carrying out several medical examinations in addition to those that were usually carried out. For this season therefore, all members of the paddock will be subjected to screening tests for the coronavirus. These will be carried out every five days.
In addition, F1 has urged the reduction of the members of certain teams, the compulsory wearing of masks for all persons in the vicinity of the circuit and the limitation of contact between F1 drivers.
