OFFICIAL: The 2020 French Grand Prix is ​​canceled

Since the announcements of the President of the Republic Emmanuel Macron on April 13, in particular the ban on large gatherings of people until at least mid-July, we knew he was in danger. However, the lack of rapid communication from the organizers could suggest that negotiations continued behind the scenes. 

Several sources have also told us that the Circuit Paul Ricard had been on the FOM shortlist to host Grands Prix behind closed doors during the summer. This will ultimately not be the case. 

Scheduled for June 26 to 28, the 2020 French Grand Prix will not take place and will not be postponed. The promoter of the event made the information official in a technical press release where the word cancellation does not appear, probably for legal reasons. 

« Due to the declarations of the President of the French Republic aiming to prohibit major events until at least the middle of July and to maintain the closure of the Schengen area until further notice, and the recent decisions announced by the Government French in order to fight against the spread of the Covid-19 virus, the GIP Grand Prix de France – Le Castellet takes note of the impossibility of maintaining the Grand Prix de France Formula 1 next June 28, organizers said.

We regret to announce to you that we take note of the impossibility of maintaining the 2020 French Grand Prix. We will have to wait until 2021 to experience the #SummerRace, all together. Take care of yourself and your loved ones, we’ll see you again soon. https://t.co/PmwZtRQCG1 pic.twitter.com/DMTDLYw5Oq

- Grand Prix of France F1 (@ GPFranceF1) April 27, 2020

The health and safety of its spectators, its partners and all those involved in Formula 1 is a priority. The GIP Grand Prix de France – Le Castellet supports the decisions taken by the French Government.

The Formula 1 French Grand Prix would like to thank its customers, all of the administrators of its GIP, the Circuit Paul Ricard, all of its partners and companies supporting it in the organization of this event ».

As announced several weeks ago, ticket holders for the 2020 edition will be refunded. “ The eyes of the GIP Grand Prix de France – Le Castellet are already turning towards the summer of 2021 in order to offer our spectators an even more unique event in the heart of the Southern Region », Specifies Éric Boullier, general director of the French GP. 

« We have been in close contact with the French promoter as the situation has evolved and, although it is disappointing for our fans and the F1 community that the French Grand Prix will not take place, we support fully the decision taken by the French authorities and hope to be back at Paul Ricard soon added Chase Carey, CEO of Formula One Group.

The cancellation of the 2020 French Grand Prix now places Austria in pole position. The country has already signaled it is ready to host the 2020 season kickoff behind closed doors, officials Red Bull pushing to have two races there, on July 5 and 12.