Author: Ronnie Schmidt

The Formula International Association is considering shortening race weekends with F1, limiting them to two days. Alterations to the regular season would include extending the 2020 Grand Prix’s into January. Drivers would be forced to begin the next season immediately after the championships were concluded. This information was provided through Mattia Binotto, the Team Leader for Ferrari F1.

The initial eight Grand Prix’s slated for the 2020 season have been postponed or terminated following the global Covid-19 Pandemic. The Chief Executive Officer behind Formula One has expressed that a 2020 championship will be held, with the seasonal alterations beginning this summer. There’ll be a maximum of fifteen to eighteen Grand Prix’s, which could provide enough championship points to conduct the 2020 F1 Season.

It should be noted that the inaugural Grand Prix for 2020 is expected to be the Canadian Grand Prix. Rapid changes in the Canadian ecosystem could prompt this GP to be cancelled as well, with Covid-19 rapidly spreading throughout Canada’s provinces. It’s not known how the two-day race weeks would be scheduled, with Mattia Binotto not providing extensive details. It’s suspected that three practice sessions would be held throughout Saturdays. Qualifying and Races would be held on Sundays. Mattia expects multiple meetings with the F1A & all other teams in Formula One before a decision is made.

The Interview

Mattia Binotto spoke with Sky Sports Italia from an enclosed location in Northern Italy. He expressed that Ferrari has had continuous conversations with the Formula International Association. All team principals have determined that Covid-19 is a crucial moment in Formula One’s history, with demands from supporters having to be met. This doesn’t mean that these team principals are forcing the FIA’s hand. Mattia noted that timetable-wise, they’ve provided the FIA complete freedom over the 2020 calendar. Binotto believes the safety of supporters is more important than the livelihood of Formula One. Before any decision can be made, logistical challenges for two-day weekends must be solved.

The minimum requirement for a 2020 Formula One Championship would be eight Grand Prix’s. Mattia noted that all F1 outfits have agreed to a January extension of the 2020 season. However, it’s been requested by Hass and Renault that the 2021 Season wouldn’t begin until March.

Supporters behind Formula One have something to look forward to with the announcement that an F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix Series will begin on March 22nd. This will include several drivers currently employed with F1 Teams, allowing for virtual races to be enjoyed while a large percentage of the community remains in self-isolation. This announcement follows after additional venues in the F1 Calendar were terminated, like the Monaco Grand Prix. Those wanting to watch these virtual races have multiple ways to witness the events, with the 1st location slated to be the Bahrain Grand Prix. All postponed or cancelled races on the Calendar will be replaced with virtual venues going forward. This is expected to be consistent until May or June.

The 1st race at Bahrain will host the several F1 Drivers, with some being announced and others unconfirmed. It’s known that Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris will be competing, with George Russel and Charles Leclerc suspected. It was confirmed on March 21st that Max Verstappen wouldn’t compete in the F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix Series, even though he’s driven in this manner multiple times before. This venue is slated to begin at 4:00 PM-EST and will be broadcasted from the G-Infinity Esports Arena, with the drivers streaming from their respective homes in self-isolation.

Race Details

This series will be managed through “F1 2019” on Microsoft computers. This Codemasters-developed game will support 50% Race Length, meaning that twenty-eight laps will be driven during this broadcast. It’s expected that two or three races will be held during the 1 Hour & 30 Minutes broadcast schedule. This will include a qualifying period to ensure that grid positions are based on the driver’s respective skillsets.

It should be mentioned that the game setting will be specially configured to encourage entertaining and competitive racing. Cars will support equal performance with fixed setups. There’ll be reduced vehicle damage, optional traction control & variable anti-lock brakes available to the drivers as well. The F1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix Series is for entertainment purposes, meaning that points won’t apply to the F1 Drivers or Collectors Championship. We’ll keep our readers informed on the outcome of these virtual races and any news regarding the F1 2020 Season.

Shocking announcements were made to Formula One Fans throughout the last several days. The most recent came on March 12th, with the Bahrain and Vietnam Grand Prix’s also being cancelled moving forward. Those cancellations follow the already terminated Chinese and Australian Grand Prix’s. During these announcements, the Formula International Association confirmed that delays could extend until May. Regular reviews of the Coronavirus Outbreak will be held to ensure public safety going forward. The necessary cancellations will be made to guarantee the protection of the F1 Community.

Most supporters with Formula One weren’t anticipating that the novel coronavirus would turn into COVID-19, prompting the immediate cancellation of the Chinese Grand Prix in February. Those supporters were against shocked when the virus continued to spread, affecting the Melbourne grid. It was confirmed that a McLaren F1 Employee had contracted the novel coronavirus. Drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen immediately left Australia for their respective homes. It should be noted that both drivers are young fathers and cannot risk exposure.

The Official Statements

Supporters were provided details on this decision through multiple outlets. Those included Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the Formula One website. Their remarks noted that the Australian Grand Prix cancellation created immediate concerns for the remaining situation. The ongoing pandemic surrounding COVID-19 prompted Grand Prix Organizers globally to evaluate their respective options to ensure limited exposure. Promoters determined this decision suits the global safety of travelling employees, participants in the championship and supporters that’d purchased tickets. All cancelled Grand Prix’s have provided refunds to those individuals.

Race promoters going forward will work closely with the Formula International Association. It’ll be determined through relevant monitoring tactics what the appropriate steps are to ensure the safety of F1 Communities. Supporters can anticipate the updated season to begin Mid-Mid in the European Union, meaning that multiple Middle Eastern and Asian events will be postponed until the 2021 season. It should be mentioned that all F1 Teams expressed their hope towards the Grand Prix being re-scheduled, with travel restrictions most likely halting any chances of this happening before June 2020. It’s not known how these race promoters are dealing with their respective advertisement contracts, with details being held private until quarterly reports from the FIA. Updated details will be available at Sports Express.

Additional cancellations to the Formula One 2020 Calendar are possible following an extreme outbreak of the coronavirus throughout Italy. Quarantine legislation was enacted last week throughout Italy, forcing the Northern Provinces to be shut down effective immediately. This comes after substantial concerns regarding the coronavirus throughout Italy, with them being the most affected nation across the European Union. They’ve experienced 5883 infections, with 233 individuals dying from the coronavirus. It prompted the Italian government to implement dramatic quarantine rules to limit outbreak exposure.

March 8th marked a significant date in the history books for Italy. They implemented the Draconian Quarantine Measures, which haven’t been engaged throughout Italy on this level since the Black Plague. One of the most prominent concerns for Formula One Supporters with this increased outbreak is the cancellation of the Monza Grand Prix. It also concerns for Ferrari, with their headquarters being located in the Quarantine Zone. The Pirelli headquarters are located in Milan and Lombardy, two other locations throughout Italy that are quarantined. This means that representatives from Pirelli and Ferrari can’t enter these provinces going forward, which would create substantial issues for all F1 Outfits in the coming months.

The Alpha Tauri Struggles Begin

Two unexpected drivers by the name of Pierre Gasly and Daniil Kvyat are worried are their upcoming season. The Alpha Tauri F1 Team, which is having their first season throughout Formula One in 2020, has its headquarters located through the Italian province of Ravenna. This province is also under lockdown, which will impose similar issues that Ferrari and Pirelli are experiencing onto Alpha Tauri. Their launch season could be unmemorable. It should be noted that minimal exceptions will be made towards individuals wanting to enter these regions. It doesn’t matter if they’re connected with the Formula International Association, exceptions won’t be provided.

Most sporting analysts are concerned with the FIA and their refusal to terminate the season opener in Australia. Travelling supporters could cause a potential outbreak of the coronavirus throughout Australia. It should be noted that the Thailand Grand Prix, Bahrain Grand Prix and Chinese Grand Prix have already been cancelled or altered for the coronavirus. It’s unknown if the entire Formula One season will be terminated in the next several days, with most sporting analysts collectively agreeing this isn’t possible.

Formula One Testing has begun in Barcelona, with supporters and motorsport experts getting their first look at the capabilities of new F1 Cars. Throughout the 2nd day of testing, nine outfits were shocked to notice that Racing Point’s new vehicle for 2020 is identical to Mercedes AMG-Petronas’s 2010 championship car. Comparisons between the RP20 and W10 are uncanny, with Racing Point receiving a noticeable boost in speed. Sergio Perez maintained the highest lap times during the 2nd day of testing, which comes through the unique suspension layout that was directly copied from Mercedes. Eight teams expressed their concern for this level of comparison, claiming that the FIA should ban the RB20 before March 15th.

The Technical Chief of Development for Racing Point, Andy Green, provided insight to motorsport reporters regarding the similarities. Green revealed that Racing Point has exclusively used the wind tunnel operated by Mercedes, while also expanding their customer-acquisition deal with AMG-Petronas. Andy Green noted that under these two conditions, both the transmission and engine components used for the W10 were implemented into the RB20. This extends to last years suspension, not the newly formed D-AXIS Suspension created by Mercedes for 2020. Andy’s statements explained that the testing procedures and tools at this wind tunnel are tailored to Mercedes-designed F1 cars. It made the most sense for Racing Point to follow their 2019 concepts.

Andy Green finished these remarks by noting that numerous elements of the RB20 have been restructured, making it different from the Mercedes W10. Formula One Teams and their group of motorsport experts immediately noticed minimal changes, expressing to various outlets that the difference for the RB20 is purely aesthetics. The internals remain identical, with Sergio Perez maintaining a pace faster than Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas. This would’ve been impossible for Perez in 2019.

The Stroll Family Controversy

There’s been continuous controversy surrounding the Stroll Family, who originates from Canada. They’ve spent exponential sums of money to acquire championship contention in Formula One, often breaking the respect and unexpressed rules between various outfits in this motorsport. It’s prompted for Lance Stroll, the son of Lawrence Stroll, to become one of the most hated drivers on the grid. The RB20 will add to the increasing level of hatred towards this family, who have been urged by experts to leave Formula One. It’s ultimately impossible for drivers like Lance Stroll and Sergio Perez to compete with the likes of Lewis Hamilton.

Formula one outfits have begun releasing their liveries and updated cars for the upcoming 2020 season. The latest comes from McLaren after Ferrari, Mercedes, Hass, Renault and Red Bull. It’s expected that the remaining teams will publicly announce their upgrades before February 29th. When it applies to McLaren, their latest model is named the MCL35 and follows their historic colour schemes. The Papaya Orange & Dark Blue combination has been re-implemented since the 2017 season, with the 2020 model having noticeable changes. Matte finishes and alterations in the colour schemes layout have allowed for the MCL35 to look more aggressive than its predecessor.

This isn’t primarily because of the new colour scheme implementations, but the noticeable alterations to the MCL35s aerodynamics. The pinched rear is complemented with a narrow nose, which is extended to new layouts in the wings and chassis. McLaren believes that it’ll allow them to maximise on downforce in comparison to the competition. It should be noted that McLaren is the only outfit to alternate the physical design of their vehicles, with all previous unveilings looking identical to last years model.

Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz will take their respective vehicles towards the podium throughout 2020. Engineers with the program believe that their drivers won’t have a consistent opportunity to win until the 2023 season, with both Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris expressing otherwise. Sainz acquired the first podium for McLaren since 2014, which was accomplished with a car meant for mid-grid competition. The champion skillsets displayed by Sainz and the new downforce capabilities of the MCL35 could see McLaren acquire multiple podiums this season. However, just like with the Honda – Red Bull partnership in 2019, there’ll be team doubters until the goal is accomplished.

Lando Norris

Britain is infamous for providing the most iconic formula one drivers, with the most recent being Lando Norris. He’s become famous throughout social media communities for his young age, humorous behaviour and capability to perform with older champions like Sebastian Vettel. The dedication that Norris displays towards McLaren is incredible, with the driver moving less than three minutes from the McLaren F1 Factory. This means that Lando Norris is the only driver on the 2020 grid that lives near their constructor’s factory, with all others living in Monaco. Lando Norris stands at twenty-years-old, and there’s always the chance that he’ll move locations once becoming an adult. There’s still the point where you grow older and desire a more relaxing lifestyle.

Christian Horner from the Red Bull – Aston Martin F1 Team, has expressed that the partnership with Honda is indicating significant breakthroughs after winter testing. This follows after Honda Racing became the engine supplier for Red Bull – Aston Martin in 2019, which saw Max Verstappen acquire a podium for the Japanese manufacturer. It marked their first podium since 2006, with Max earning two more podium finishes in 1st place and many others in lower positions. It meant that Honda Racing became the most successful engine supplier other than Mercedes AMG-Petronas since 2015.

Horner being the team principal, is often asked personal questions regarding engine development, which he’s expressed is showing positive feedback. Engineers are continually making progress towards enhancements in our evolution. Horner anticipates that the next step in their strategy is shortly upon them, which will make their turnaround on the grid phenomenal. Christian Horner noted that when you look to Honda Racing in Formula One back in 2015 to 2020, the engine supplier is entirely different and made multiple improvements. Most of these improvements were also limited by the demanding actions of McLaren, which was the previous team that operated under Honda Racing.

It was when Honda Racing partnered with Toro Rosso in 2018 that these improvements began rapidly. Their agreement with Red Bull’s sister team also enabled them to open the door towards the 2019 Engine Supplier Contract. The advances displayed by engineers with Honda Racing has allowed for Red Bull to acquire championship contention against Ferrari and Mercedes, which hadn’t been possible for more than six seasons. The last time that Red Bull dominated was when Sebastian Vettel competed.

Verstappen has become the new leader of this formula one team, with his expectations always being met with Honda Racing. However, Max Verstappen can leave Red Bull if Honda pulls out of Formula One in 2021. Concerns for the future of Red Bull – Aston Martin are growing, there’s the chance that Honda Racing will leave following the 2020 season and Aston Martin has been purchased by Racing Point starting 2021. It’ll go the outfit being entirely different than prior seasons over the last decade.

Formula One supporters could lose one of their venues this year with the recent infection of Coronavirus. It’s been confirmed by F1s governing body that they’re determining the associated risk with the Chinese Grand Prix. This evolving situation is being monitored, and if the virus cannot be destroyed before March 1st, all Formula International Association events will be terminated in China. Extreme efforts are being taken to guarantee the prompt destruction of Coronavirus, which means there’s still some hope that this circuit will remain in the 2020 season.

The Chinese Grand Prix is used by multiple variations of motorsport under the FIA. The 1st yearly event in with Formula E on March 21st. That’s why there has been a deadline on March 1st for the decision making process. The Formula International Association confirmed that if termination procedures for the Coronavirus are completed by March 31st, then the Formula Two and Formula One races would continue onwards. Most motorsport analysts are praising this level of the condition by the FIA, even with their event located in Shanghai. This metropolis is 800km away from the Wuhan District, but can still prove to be a concerning location for F1 Drivers and Teammates.

The World Health Organization

Detailed information regarding the Coronavirus has been provided hourly to international reporters. It’s known through Chinese health authority’s association with the World Health Organization, that confirmed cases of Coronavirus have exceeded several thousand citizens of China. These infections have spread through fifteen democratic nations worldwide, including Canada and the United States of America. The World Health Organization is having extensive delegations on Thursday, January 30, 2020. Conversations will determine if Coronavirus is a global health emergency, which would immediately demand the assistance of the world’s best medical scientists. Considering that the Coronavirus has infected less than 1% of the worldwide population, most believe that it won’t be classified as GHE.

The Formula One Association is hoping that outbreak strategies will destroy the Coronavirus. There are also concerns that the FIA might potentially have to terminate the Bahrain Grand Prix and Hanoi Grand Prix, which was slated to have its grand opening throughout 2020. We’ll keep our readers informed of any cancellations to the F1 2020 Calendar. It should be noted that multiple other sporting events have been terminated in the wake of Coronavirus. This included the World Indoor Athletics Championship. Their activity was 500km away from the Wuhan District and has now been postponed for twelve months.

Major League Baseball has experienced their most prominent allegations of cheating in history. This follows after the Houston Astros were found implementing sign-stealing technologies, giving them a huge advantage over the competition. It resulted in them winning the World Series in 2017. It’s now being revealed that other team in Major League Baseball had suspected that the Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox had been cheating for time. Brain Cashman from the New York Yankees informed MLB reporters that they’d been implementing techniques to stop sign-stealing from opposing organizations. The Yankee’s general manager engaged every tactic possible to limit the stealing of signs, with evolutions in their strategies increasing to account for cheating opponents. Information regarding sign-stealing followed after Mike Fiers became the whistleblower, with him previous playing for the Houston Astros.

Brain Cashman didn’t express the extent of their protection that the New York Yankees had in the 2017 campaign. This was when the Houston Astros had most actively implemented their sign-stealing protocols, which remained active throughout the last two seasons. Information revealed after these allegations noted that the Boston Red Sox had cheated their way to the 2018 World Series victory. This would mean two organizations cheated their way to success, with the Yankee’s failing for two consecutive seasons. Brain Cashman can’t help but feel that Major League Baseball should strip the world championship titles from 2017/2018.

The Frustration Grows

Multiple individuals connected to the New York Yankees have expressed their disappointment to the Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox. This follows after they’d been eliminated the last three seasons, twice by the Houston Astros and once by the Boston Red Sox. Both teams cheated their ways into defeating the New York Yankees. This prompted Aaron Boone, the Head Manager for the Yankees, to demand greater enforcement from governing officials in the Major League Baseball association. Boone demanded that significant steps be taken to ensure clean and fair games amongst competitors. Hopefully MLB associates will take Aaron Boone’s advice and finally put an end to cheating in baseball. It should be noted that cheating with steroids, illegal baseball bats and illegal gloves have previously occurred in MLB history.

There hasn’t been any confirmation that the Houston Astros or Boston Red Sox will be stripped of their world championship titles. MLB Associates must act quickly to enforce fairer gameplay amongst athletes, especially after their considerable battle against Bernie Sanders and Minor League Baseball.