This year’s Belgian Grand Prix is in doubt after the Belgian government elected to impose a ban on mass gatherings until August 31.
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has played havoc with the Formula 1 schedule, with the first nine races either being postponed or cancelled. The season is scheduled to begin in France, although that Grand Prix is also in serious doubt.
On Wednesday, Belgian prime minister Sophie Wilmes confirmed that all mass gatherings, including festivals and sporting events, will be prohibited until August 31. The Belgian Grand Prix is scheduled for August 30 and will not be exempt from the ban.
Even if Formula 1 intend to hold the event behind closed doors, it may not be an option under the restrictions as the event would require several hundred people – such as team personnel, media, officials, and track marshals – to be in attendance.
The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps issued a statement regarding the ban:
“The National Security Council has decided to ban mass events until 31 August. The Circuit remains attentive to the next communication of the National Security Council. We will inform you as soon as possible of any new developments.”
The French Grand Prix is also in serious doubt as the French government extended a ban on mass gatherings until July 2020 to mitigate the spread of pandemic.
The Tour de France has been shifted to August as a result of the ban.