Formula One’s Singapore, Japan and Azerbaijan grands prix were cancelled on Friday over logistical problems caused by the coronavirus, officials said.
“As a result of the ongoing challenges presented by COVID-19, we and our promoters in Azerbaijan, Singapore and Japan have taken the decision to cancel their races for the 2020 season,” a Formula One statement said.
“In Singapore and Azerbaijan, the long lead times required to construct street circuits made hosting the events during a period of uncertainty impossible.
“In Japan, ongoing travel restrictions also led to the decision not to proceed with the race.”
This year’s races in Australia, Monaco, France and the Netherlands have already cancelled.
As lockdowns are eased, the season is due to start with two races behind closed in Austria in July, followed by six other grands prix in Europe.
F1's motorsports chief Ross Brawn said that they may consider extending the European calendar and Abu Dhabi will remain as the season-ender. "Things are moving fast, but we still have time," he said. "We have lots of different options and we're very confident we're going to have a great second half of the season.
"There is a contingency to have an extended European season with another one or two races if needed. I think Bahrain and Abu Dhabi will be the backstop of the season from what we can see at the moment. That gives us 10. We'll find at least five or six good races in the middle."
Scheduled races
July 3-5: Austrian Grand Prix (Spielberg)
July 10-12: Styrian Grand Prix (Spielberg)
July 17-19: Hungarian Grand Prix (Budapest)
July 31-August 2: British Grand Prix (Silverstone)
August 7-9: 70th Anniversary Grand Prix (Silverstone)
August 14-16: Spanish Grand Prix (Barcelona)
August 28-30: Belgian Grand Prix (Spa-Francorchamps)
September 4-6: Italian Grand Prix (Monza)
Still planned
September-November: Eurasia (Russia), Asia (Vietnam and China) and Americas (Canada, United States, Mexico, Brazil)
December: Middle East (Bahrain and Abu Dhabi)