F1 2020 Calendar: F1 is expected to confirm four races next week, including the season-ending Abu Dhabi GP in what is a massive boost for Formula 1
The Formula One 2020 calendar currently has 13 races to show for, with five of them done with. The sixth one ends today at Barcelona, leaving 7 more races to be played out.
But the FIA is aiming to conduct 15-18 races this season plagued by the corona-virus pandemic. This sentiment was echoed by the Formula 1 boss when asked about it. “We are pleased that we continue to make strong progress in finalizing our plans for the 2020 season.”
Out of the four races, spectacle-beholding Abu Dhabi GP will be continuing from last season. It is expected to hold the schedule of being the final race of the season.
Apart from this, Bahrain is expected to carry on from last season, but with a double-header this time round. For those unaware, Austria and Silverstone, UK have already held double-headers this season, to make for the pandemic break. Jerez in Spain is another race track touted to added to the calendar later this season, with talks underway.
Turkey likely to make a comeback to F1
F1 fans react to Istanbul Park being dropped from the calendar (2011) pic.twitter.com/PdXlcImH1T
— Tom Bellingham (@TommyWTF1) December 31, 2018
The Istanbul Park in Turkey is the fourth race expected to be announced. It last hosted a F1 race almost a decade ago, in 2011. This circuit was given a boost after an announcement by the Turkish government. That did well to signal their intent to the FIA and F1 that they are willing to the F1 roster.
“Under the Presidential auspices of the Republic of Turkey, the Istanbul Park race circuit continues to work for inclusion on the Formula 1 race calendar for 2020”.
Mercedes Team Principal had this to say on the prospect of returning to the Istanbul Park. “The last time I was in Turkey was ten years ago, and I remember the incredible sight of the famous turn 8 with a triple apex.”
Meanwhile, Red Bull’s Alex Albon also expressed happiness at the possibility of Turkey being a part of the F1 2020 Calendar. “That’s great. Mugello, Imola, Istanbul – they’re the best layouts in the world and we get to race there. I’m all for it.”
Read more: Imola F1 Circuit: All you need to know about the iconic Italian race track making a comeback to F1.
The last race at the Istanbul Park was won by Albon’s team’s greatest-ever driver Sebastian Vettel. The four-time champion with Red Bull is not expected to repeat the performance, though, with his Ferrari on a decline. He is expected to move to Aston Martin for the 2021 season.
F1 has done a tremendous job with being able to add more races to the calendar. The Bio-secure bubble that they have managed to maintain has given confidence to circuits all over the world that races can be conducted this season.
With 4 more being added to the calendar, it seems like we might just have a full F1 season in the year of the pandemic.
