Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto says he hopes Formula 1’s 2020 season can begin in early July and has emphasised the team will do “whatever is needed” to help the situation.
Formula 1’s 2020 schedule has been heavily disrupted by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, with the opening nine rounds either postponed or cancelled.
The first event of the campaign is currently scheduled to take place at Circuit Paul Ricard, in the south of France, on June 28, prior to the next round in Spielberg, Austria on July 5.
Speaking to Sky Sports News on the workings of any 2020 schedule, Binotto said: “I think no one can really know it, we had a meeting [on Monday] with Formula 1, the FIA, we certainly discussed the matter.
“F1 is certainly trying to organise the best championship they can this season, maybe starting early July, if that will be possible, but we have not confirmation at the moment.
“I think by the end of May we will have a clearer picture. It’s in the interest of everyone really to start racing when we can, when that will be possible, to have as many races as we can, but it’s too early to have a clear picture now.”
Formula 1’s regulations have already been altered in order to give Liberty Media the ability to arrange events without the approval of teams.
Binotto says Ferrari will back whatever action championship officials may take, with condensed weekends, two races per grand prix, and a season finale pushed back to February 2021 all understood to be under consideration.
“We know that from the sporting regulations as first to have a world championship you need at least eight races; what I think [is that] everyone is trying to look for more than that,” he said.
“What is important is to be flexible. I’m pretty sure Chase [Carey] and the teams will be capable of putting in place the best championship we can.
“From our side whatever is needed – short race weekends, double race, whenever it will finish, packing all the races together – whatever will be, it’s important to be flexible.
“It’s important from our side to be supportive and we will do whatever necessary.”
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