MONACO: For the first time since 1954, Monaco’s streets will not echo to the sound of F1 machinery after the Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM) announced the cancellation of this year’s Monaco Grand Prix.
It had earlier been announced that the race had been postponed, along with the Dutch and Spanish Grands Prix, but the ACM have since clarified that “with great sadness” the race will be cancelled.
The race, which this year was scheduled for 21-24 May, has been held every year since 1955, having begun in 1929. The historic Monaco Grand Prix, which is held ahead of the F1 race, has also been cancelled.
In a statement the ACO said: “The current situation concerning the worldwide pandemic and its unknown path of evolution, the lack of understanding as to the impact on the FIA F1 World Championship 2020, the uncertainty with regards to the participation of the teams, the consequences with regards to the differing measures of confinement as taken by various governments worldwide, the multi-border restrictions for accessing the Principality of Monaco, the pressure on all implicated businesses, their dedicated staff who are unable to undertake the necessary installations, the availability of the indispensable workforce and volunteers (more than 1500) required for the success of the event means that the situation is no longer tenable.”
They added that “under no circumstances will it be possible to organise these events later this year.”
After several announcements on Thursday about race postponements and the effect of the coronavirus outbreak on the 2020 and 2021 seasons, Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey has provided an update on the current situation, stressing “the need for extra flexibility to accommodate a rescheduled season once the COVID-19 situation improves”.
Chase said: “Formula 1 and the FIA will now work to finalise a revised 2020 calendar and will consult with the teams, but as agreed at the meeting the revised calendar will not require their formal approval. This will give us the necessary flexibility to agree revised timings with affected race promoters and to be ready to start racing at the right moment.”
New F1 regulations to be delayed until 2022
In addition, as announced by the FIA, the implementation of the Technical Regulations due to take effect from the 2021 season will be postponed until 2022. Due to the currently volatile financial situation this has created, it has been agreed that teams will use their 2020 chassis for 2021, with the potential freezing of further components to be discussed in due course. The introduction and implementation of the Financial Regulations will go ahead as planned in 2021.
