August’s Belgian Grand Prix is the latest Formula 1 race expected to fall victim to the coronavirus.
On Wednesday, the national government extended a ban on mass gatherings in the country until August 31, one day after the race at Spa-Francorchamps is scheduled to take place.
This comes as Belgium has so far seen over 33,500 cases of Covid-19, with 4,440 deaths as a result.
“Today nobody can say when we will once again have a normal life,” Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes was quoted by GPFans.
“There is still a long road to go and it is strewn with stones and full of holes. However, the prospect of a better future is within our grasp.
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“We took a set of difficult measures to protect the population. It’s been a month of effort and sacrifice, but the number of hospital admissions has fallen, though still, new deaths occur on a daily basis.
“Behind the cold statistics are real people, who suffer and who have died. There are families in mourning in difficult circumstances. Health care workers are struggling on a daily basis to save lives,” she added.
“Though the spread of the virus is slowing, the crisis hasn’t yet passed.”
One possibility that could happen in a GP without fans, but given Spa is dependent on revenues from fans to finance the race, going ahead would not be a viable option.
This update also pours a lot of cold water on the plans of F1 bosses, with motorsport boss Ross Brawn suggesting the 2020 season could start in July.
However, while officials in Austria are keen to push ahead, there’s no comment yet from Hungary and Silverstone is in doubt.