F1 races could get green light with fewer than 12 cars - Brawn

Formula 1 managing director Ross Brawn admits the sport could host a race with just 12 cars present on the grid.

Article 5.7 of the 2020 sporting regulations that “an event may be cancelled if fewer than 12 cars are available for it”.

However, Brawn says that exceptional circumstances could see the FIA allowing for less cars to race.

Amid the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, there is little evidence predicting how the worldwide situation will look in the coming months.

Travel restrictions have been placed on a number of countries, including Italy, where the virus has hit hardest in Europe. 

With a number of F1 associated outfits including Ferrari and AlphaTauri holding bases in Italy, complications may arise in the future if the F1 season gets underway with major travel restrictions still in place.

MOREFerrari halts production at F1 factory amid coronavirus outbreak | Brawn hopes to plan postponed races for August summer break

Speaking to Sky F1, Brawn said: “We need 12 cars or more to hold a championship race although that, actually, is at the discretion of the FIA.

“They could choose, in unusual circumstances, to allow less than that. But 12 cars is what’s written there.”

F1 and the FIA has affirmed that it is aiming to start the 2020 campaign at the end of May, with a revised calendar in place.

Four countries (Australia, Bahrain, Vietnam and China) have been forced to postpone their events, with more announcements from The Netherlands and Spain expected in the coming weeks.

Replies (3)

Login to reply
  • siggy74

    Posts: 194

    Race with 12 cars, Seriously!!
    Maybe one day the cars will race without Managing directors....

    " showing so little respect for peoples lives"

    • + 0
    • Mar 18 2020 - 21:29
  • Manto02

    Posts: 93

    www.gptoday.net/en(...)-due-to-coronavirus

    Just a reminder of what he said a few weeks ago

    • + 0
    • Mar 19 2020 - 11:38
  • Manto02

    Posts: 93

    A few weeks ago he said if a team is denied to race due to coronavirus there shouldn't be a race. Hypocrisy?

    • + 0
    • Mar 19 2020 - 11:39

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

World Championship standings 2025

Show full world champion standings

Test calendar

See full test schedule

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
14 - Mar 16 2025
Australia
21 - Mar 23 2025
China
4 - Apr 6 2025
Japan
11 - Apr 13 2025
Bahrain
18 - Apr 20 2025
Saudi Arabia
2 - May 4 2025
United States of America
16 - May 18 2025
Italy
23 - May 25 2025
Monaco
30 - Jun 1 2025
Spain
13 - Jun 15 2025
Canada
27 - Jun 29 2025
Austria
4 - Jul 6 2025
United Kingdom
25 - Jul 27 2025
Belgium
1 - Aug 3 2025
Hungary
29 - Aug 31 2025
Netherlands
5 - Sep 7 2025
Italy
19 - Sep 21 2025
Azerbaijan
3 - Oct 5 2025
Singapore
17 - Oct 19 2025
United States of America
24 - Oct 26 2025
Mexico
7 - Nov 9 2025
Brazil
21 - Nov 23 2025
United States of America
28 - Nov 30 2025
Qatar
5 - Dec 7 2025
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
14 - Mar 16 2025
Australia Albert Park
21 - Mar 23 2025
4 - Apr 6 2025
11 - Apr 13 2025
18 - Apr 20 2025
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
2 - May 4 2025
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
16 - May 18 2025
23 - May 25 2025
Monaco Monte Carlo
30 - Jun 1 2025
13 - Jun 15 2025
27 - Jun 29 2025
Austria Red Bull Ring
4 - Jul 6 2025
United Kingdom Silverstone
25 - Jul 27 2025
1 - Aug 3 2025
Hungary Hungaroring
29 - Aug 31 2025
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
5 - Sep 7 2025
Italy Monza
19 - Sep 21 2025
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
3 - Oct 5 2025
17 - Oct 19 2025
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
24 - Oct 26 2025
7 - Nov 9 2025
Brazil Interlagos
21 - Nov 23 2025
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
28 - Nov 30 2025
5 - Dec 7 2025
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule
show sidebar