What does the coronavirus mean for F1 in 2021? 'It's going to be difficult'

Formula 1 is one of the sports in which the measures taken have proven to be very effective. So far, only Sergio Perez has tested positive for the coronavirus, as have two employees within the paddock, but this has not led to a major outbreak.

Bruno Famin, the operational director of the FIA, is therefore confident about the measures. "So far, we have had a number of difficult situations, but we have resolved them without directly disrupting our operations. There is no zero risk, so we must remain vigilant, because there may still be problems in the last few races," said the top man to the Spanish newspaper AS.

Following the planned schedule?

As the coronavirus flares up in many countries, the question is of course to what extent this will affect the Formula 1 calendar in 2021. "In most countries, there is a debate about whether or not to hold this type of event. For the time being, we have a proven protocol that works, so there is no reason not to follow the planned schedule."

That, however, doesn't mean there can be an audience everywhere again at next season's F1 races. "It's going to be difficult, although we don't know exactly how difficult. The virus is everywhere and will be with us in 2021. Until there is a vaccine for everyone, we will continue to have problems. It should improve next year, but we are convinced it will be another year with the coronavirus," concludes Famin.