F1 bosses set to announce Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be postponed because of coronavirus

FORMULA ONE bosses are expected to announce tomorrow that the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be postponed due to the coronavirus.

It will become the eighth race to be either scrapped or delayed due to the pandemic that is putting the world on lockdown.

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F1 had hoped that the race in Baku on June 7th would mark the start of the season after the race in Australia was cancelled when a McLaren team member tested positive for the disease.

However, with the number of fatalities increasing in Europe, the race promoters have decided to put it on hold.

F1 CEO, Chase Carey, last week admitted he did not know when the sport would resume.

He said: “We recognise everyone wants to know what comes next for Formula 1 in 2020. We cannot provide specific answers today given the fluidity of the situation.

“However, we plan to get the 2020 championship season underway as soon as it’s safe to do so.

“We are engaging with experts and officials on a daily basis as we evaluate how we go forward in the next few months.”

Once Baku’s situation is made official, it means that the Canadia GP on June 14th is next in line.

The boss of the British GP, Stuart Pringle, said that the circuit would refund customers should the Silverstone race be cancelled.

He added: “I would like to reassure our fans that, should we be forced to cancel either Grand Prix, all customers who have purchased a ticket will be given the option of a full refund.

“We will, of course, continue to keep you updated as the situation in the UK evolves and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and patience in what is an extremely difficult time for everyone.”