Dutch Grand Prix boss Jan Lammers was left confused by Formula 1’s messaging after the race at Zandvoort was left in flux.
On Friday, following the cancellation of the Australian GP, F1 announced that the next two races in Bahrain and Vietnam had been postponed but the ambition was to begin to 2020 season “at the end of May”.
Based on that timeline, races in Holland, Spain and even Monaco would not take place, however, no official announcement was made on those events.
“At the moment it is still difficult to say much about it because conflicting messages are still being released,” Lammers told GPBlog.
“I don’t know what the reason is, it will be miscommunication or a typo, but when there is clarity about the statement, we have something we can talk about.
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“At the moment there is no clarity yet because FIA and FOM contradict each other in their reporting.
“Only when that is clear can we say more and provide more information. We are also full of questions ourselves.”
On Saturday, F1 clarified the situation by stating organisers for both the Dutch and Spanish GP’s were monitoring the Coronavirus and in consultation with the sport’s bosses about the next step.
“Based on reports from Formula One Management and FIA, we are in joint consultation with them about the possible consequences for the Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix,” a Zandvoort official said.
“These are not yet fully known, but in the event of possible postponement, all tickets will remain valid. As soon as more news is known, we will share it with all parties involved.”
Meanwhile in Spain: “Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will continue monitoring the evolution of the pandemic, staying in permanent contact with the different bodies and health authorities in order to continue implementing the applicable measures and recommendations, ensuring the health and safety of our visitors,” read a statement.
“We are sorry for the inconveniences that these changes may have caused and we offer our apologies to all fans and customers that have been affected by these extraordinary measures.”
As for the Monaco GP, a race that has taken place every year since 1954, before the events in Australia took place, the Automobile Club de Monaco confirmed work on building the circuit would begin despite the uncertainty.
“The Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM), organiser of the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique (May 8-10, 2020) and Formula 1 Grand Prix (May 21-24, 2020), is fully aware of the spread of the Covid-19 and the worrying situation that this generates,” the ACM said.
“These are the reasons why the ACM is in permanent contact with the Monegasque Governmental Authorities, the sports and commercial entities of F1, the Federation Internationale Automobile (FIA) and the Formula One Group (FOG).
“Preparations for the build-up of the circuit have just started with the first structures being installed in the coming days.
“The ACM is ready to take all of the necessary precautions and will continue to comply with all measures as recommended by the official health authorities,” they added.
“Based on the latest information provided to the ACM, both the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique and the Grand Prix Formula 1 2020 are currently expected to take place on the dates as originally planned.”