Formula 1 should consider holding races midweek to make up for lost events in 2020, Dutch Grand Prix boss Jan Lammers suggests.
So far, eight events have had to be postponed or cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, but this week, F1 motorsport director Ross Brawn claimed a 19-race schedule was still possible starting from July.
To do that, a shorter weekend format is being considered, however, Lammers wonders why the sport limits the days it can run?
“Why can’t a Grand Prix be held on Tuesday or Wednesday night, just like the Champions League?” he pondered, speaking to Dutch outlet NOS.
“It doesn’t always have to be on primetime Sunday afternoon, it can also be on weekdays. But then you have to make the weekends a little lighter so that there is less pressure on the organising countries.”
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The new-for-2020 race at Zandvoort is one of those now looking for a new date later this year, however, as F1 admits some Grands Prix may have to happen behind closed doors, the Dutch GP certainly won’t be one of them.
“[A race without fans] is an unthinkable scenario,” Lammers told Motorsport.
“If you have a race, it has to be without compromise. You have to be able to celebrate.
“For us, it’s about the return of Formula 1 after 35 years. That should be a great party that you want to celebrate with everyone.
“If we’re being asked that question, we will have to seriously think about it.
“A race without fans is not something we want to think about until we’re being asked that question. Fortunately, that hasn’t happened yet. As far as we’re concerned though, it’s just not possible.”
The race chief though did acknowledge the tremendous challenge F1 has as it attempts to salvage the season.
“We can’t forget that the FIA and FOM are facing an incredible task. They are trying to save as much as they can; teams, promotors, sponsors,” he explained.
“They are all doing what you can expect from them, they are thinking about all scenarios. It’s a good thing.
“We can only hope that we’ll get a green light soon and that we’ll quickly have a Grand Prix again because that would mean that the virus is a little bit under control, and that’s the most important thing in all of this.”