Towards a 2021 season with 22 Grands Prix

The 2020 season of Formula 1 was obviously greatly disrupted by the coronavirus epidemic. But the next campaign promises to return to a more conventional format, as announced by Liberty Media, owner of the sport, on the occasion of the publication of its financial results for the second quarter of 2020. 

Chase Carey, the boss of the discipline, indicated that his company was working to set up a more traditional 2021 exercise, that is to say with a first race in the spring and around twenty meetings spread out at a pace less sustained than the summer triplets that the teams endure.

“We are planning a 2021 season with probably 22 races”, indicates Chase Carey, who however has a thought for the mechanics and team employees, subjected to an extremely sustained pace in 2020. 

“We could start the 2021 season a little later (provided that), we would then have more flexibility. This doesn't require a real overhaul, just an adjustment. There is always the possibility of making adjustments along the way”, indicates the American.

Disputed behind closed doors since the end of confinement, the Grands Prix could welcome the public from the excursion to Mugello (Italy) next September, even if Chase Carey remains cautious. “We are planning races with fans present, we are in contact with our events on this subject. But once again, no one can anticipate on this point. »

With 22 races in 2021, Liberty Media could redo the cherry after a sharp loss of revenue in the first quarter, Covid-19 obliges. While the F1 Group had generated 620 million dollars in revenue (527 million euros) in the same period last year, the amount of revenue only amounts to 24 million dollars (20 million euros ) this year, a net fall of 596 million dollars (507 million euros). 

F1 also recorded losses of 136 million dollars (116 million euros) where 14 million (12 million euros) in profits had been made at the same time last year.