The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic effectively shut down the sports industry, which served as both a key economic driver and a primary form of entertainment for the masses. The decision to push Olympic qualifications back a year was a significant setback for athletes who had spent an entire quadrennial cycle preparing, though they are now looking forward to future competitions. Financially, sports organizations are in a precarious position following the hiatus. As a result, there is a strong push toward hosting events without crowds to safeguard the health of employees and the general public. This reality forced Formula 1 to completely restructure its season to mitigate the risks posed by the coronavirus.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the 2020 Formula 1 calendar underwent significant changes, with several races being suspended or removed entirely. The Australian Grand Prix, originally set for mid-March, along with the Monaco GP in late May and the French GP in late June, were cancelled with no new dates announced. Despite this, talks are ongoing regarding other events. Organizers for the Grand Prix in Bahrain, Vietnam, China, the Netherlands, Spain, Azerbaijan, and Canada are expected to announce updated arrangements shortly, pending the health conditions in those regions.
The British Grand Prix, scheduled for July 19, 2020, at the Silverstone Circuit, will proceed without any fans in the stands. The decision comes as England grapples with over 150,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and approximately 21,000 deaths. On April 27, 2020, Stuart Pringle, the Managing Director of Silverstone, took to Twitter to express his disappointment, explaining that the race must go ahead without spectators to ensure public health and safety.
Since the UK government has designated the area as a high-risk 'red zone,' Silverstone executives have confirmed that drivers will compete without a crowd. The circuit spans 5.891 kilometers, and it is worth noting that Lewis Hamilton—who has a storied history at the track—holds the record for the most wins at the Silverstone arena.