Update | Austria will not organize a third GP, Hungarian GP is the next race

The teams received a frightening note about the Hungarian Grand Prix today. There are strict coronavirus restrictions in the country and these will also apply to the teams and staff. For example, persons from the UK and outside the EU are only allowed to stay in their accommodation. If they do not comply, they can risk a hefty fine and even imprisonment.

Of course, this is certainly not ideal for Formula 1. According to Alexander Wurz, Liberty Media is therefore looking for an alternative. "Chase Carey asked me what the drivers would think of doing three Grand Prixs in Austria", Wurz told the Austrian ORF.

Rather racing than no racing

"I said to him, if that's the only solution, we can drive the Grand Prix ten times. We'd rather drive the Red Bull Ring more often than not being able to race at all. This option is possible and you can also change gears quickly. After all, all the equipment and personnel is already here," the former F1 driver explains.

"It will probably be an option to organise. You only need to know before Sunday evening. If the Hungarian Grand Prix cannot take place then it is definitely an option that we will race here again next week", the Austrian concluded.

UPDATE Sunday 12 July 10:30

A spokesperson for Formula 1 has told GPblog the following:

"The suggestion that we stay in Austria for a third race is not correct. The whole Formula 1 community has started the season well in Austria and they are all very excited to go to our next race in Hungary - a circuit that is a big favourite with all our fans and the teams".