FIA extends shutdown of Formula 1 factories to 63 days

Published on 28 April 2020 by Bryan van Berlo

The World Motor Sport Council has approved a further extension to the shutdown period for competitors and Power Unit manufacturers in the FIA Formula One World Championship in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

All competitors must now observe a shutdown period increased from 35 to 63 consecutive days. 50 days after the start of their shutdown period, upon application by a competitor, and subject to the prior written approval of the FIA, each competitor may use the services of a maximum of ten personnel to work remotely on long lead time projects. This also applies to the engine suppliers, who are allowed to redeploy personnel to such projects after 36 days.

Normally, the mandatory stop, which usually takes two weeks, takes place in the summer. During two weeks in August, the teams are not allowed to work on their cars or develop new parts. However, the coronavirus has led to these new settlements.