FIA extends shutdown period for a second time

In a statement issued on Monday, the FIA has announced the decision of the World Motor Sport Council which extends the Formula 1 shutdown period to 63 days.

After the cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix, the F1’s governing body reacted quickly by bringing forward the sport’s summer shutdown period to the months of March, April and May. As it became evident early that the coronavirus outbreak would affect the world for a long period of time, the FIA extended the usually 14-day shutdown to 21 days and extended it to the power unit manufacturers.

After governments introduced restrictions in many European countries and permitted only essential work, the initial period was then extended to 35 days.

As the world continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic, the FIA has now decided to extend the shutdown period further. The decision ratified by the World Motor Sport Council means that manufacturers have to observe a 63-day shutdown. In order to provide teams with some freedom, they are allowed to operate with a maximum of ten employees 50 days after the beginning of their shutdown period.

„All competitors must now observe a shutdown period increased from 35 to 63 consecutive days during the months of March, April, May and/or June. 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,” an FIA statement read.

Although the traditional summer break normally does not affect power unit manufacturers, it was agreed earlier that they also need to observe a shutdown period in this unprecedented time. This second extension also relates to the engine manufacturers who are also obliged to observe a long shutdown period.

„The shutdown period for Power Unit manufacturers has been extended from 35 to 49 consecutive days during the months of March, April, May and/or June. 36 days after the start of their shutdown period, upon application by a Power Unit manufacturer, and subject to the prior written approval of the FIA, each Power Unit manufacturer may use the services of a maximum of ten personnel to work remotely on long lead time projects.”