Ex-Formula 1 driver David Coulthard believes that it will not be too long before the sport returns for the 2020 season, albeit with empty circuits.
The first eight rounds of the championship have been stalled by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with the Canadian Grand Prix slated for June 14 being the closest race yet to have its future status determined.
F1 was initially going to race at Albert Park and Bahrain on their scheduled dates earlier this month behind closed doors. But after the annulment of the Australian Grand Prix a mere hours before the opening practice session, the sport has since gone into standby.
Yet former McLaren and Red Bull driver David Coulthard is adamant that the beginning of the season is much closer than expected.
“I really believe that sporting events will return much faster than concerts and other events that attract a lot of people, so the races will start again soon,”
Coulthard told Ziggo Sport.
“I think the Grand Prix will take place without spectators in the stands soon.”
One of the races that Coulthard discussed was the Dutch Grand Prix.
2020 was set to be the first season since 1985 that the Netherlands had lasted a Grand Prix, and the newly revamped Zandvoort Circuit was prepared to host a fully sold-out weekend, packed with Max Verstappen supporters.
While the Grand Prix has been postponed, Coulthard believes that F1 will find an appropriate date to reschedule the weekend in the latter part of the year.
“The races will be held with the public in the last part of the season,”
added Coulthard.
“Even if there are no fans, I think the Dutch Grand Prix will be successful.
“It is a pity that the race did not take place on the scheduled dates because of this. Everyone was eagerly awaiting such a race and I hope they can set a specific date.
“Everything that happens reminds the world that we should be careful.”