It was announced today that the French Grand Prix has been canceled amid the COVID-19 virus pandemic.
The race, scheduled for the end of June at the Circuit Paul Ricard, is now canceled according to a press release at f1.com on Monday morning. The decision of the French government to ban all major events until at least the middle of July, coupled with the travel restrictions in place to help contain the spread of coronavirus, meant it will be impossible for the Grand Prix happen.
It becomes the 10th race of the 2020 season to have been cancelled or postponed in light of the current health crisis.
Eric Boullier, Managing Director of the GIP Grand Prix de France – Le Castellet said:
“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.
“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 unprecedented event at the heart of the Région Sud.”
Chase Carey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Formula 1 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.”
