F1 2020: British GP to be held without fans

British Grand Prix

Showpiece race remains on calendar, but organisers say social distancing rules means spectators will not be allowed

This year’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone will be held behind closed doors without fans in attendance if it goes ahead, according to event organisers.

The first rounds of this year’s Formula 1 World Championship have either been cancelled or delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. F1 bosses are currently working on a plan for a revised 2020 schedule, which is tipped to start with the next scheduled event, the Austrian Grand Prix, on July 5. 

The British GP is still due to take place at Silverstone in Northamptonshire on July 19. Circuit manager Stuart Pringle has written to fans who have bought a ticket explaining that, due to likely UK government lockdown restrictions, if the event is able to run on that date, social distancing rules means that spectators will now be allowed.

“I am extremely disappointed to tell you that we are unable to stage this year's British Grand Prix in front of the fans at Silverstone," wrote Pringle. "We have left this difficult decision for as long as possible, but it is abundantly clear given the current conditions in the country and the government requirements in place now and for the foreseeable future, that a grand prix under normal conditions is just not going to be possible.

"Our obligations to protect the health and safety of everyone involved in preparing and delivering the event, our volunteer marshals and 'Race Makers', and of course, you, the amazing fans, means that this is the best, safest and only decision we could make.”

Reports suggest that F1 bosses will unveil a new outline plan for the 2020 season later today (Monday), which is tipped to include double-header races in Austria and Britain to start the season, but without fans in attendance at either circuit. Pringle, who has previously suggested Silverstone could host multiple races, said he supported the moves.

"We have consistently said that should we find ourselves in this position we will support Formula 1 as they seek to find alternative ways to enable F1 racing to take place this year,” he wrote. “Following this weekend's news from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport we are now working with them on the viability of an event behind closed doors.

"Should this be possible, it will be of some small comfort for you to know that the 2020 Formula 1 Pirelli British Grand Prix will be available to watch live on Sky Sports and Channel 4.”

Pringle added that fans who have bought a ticket for this year’s race will be contacted in the next two weeks, and given the option of transferring them to the 2021 event or a full refund. He added that Silverstone would “give away thousands of tickets” for the 2021 event to NHS staff and other key workers for their efforts to combat Covid-19.

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