Ferrari Boss Mattia Binotto said in a statement that F1 teams are ready to extend the 2020 season to January to create a “more complete championship”
This season will currently end on November 29 in Abu Dhabi after the first eight games have all been canceled or postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
F1, who were preparing for a record 22-race season before the coronavirus crisis, say they are still hopeful of holding “15-18 races” this year – with August’s traditional summer break scrapped to open up more potential dates – and Binotto says the sport could race into winter, too.
In this regard, the head of the Ferrari team said:
“We have decided to give total freedom to the FIA to set up a timetable to get back to running as soon as possible, our availability is there.
“We are assessing various ideas; races closer together, and maybe doing two or three races in January.”
He added: “If January races allows us to guarantee a more complete world championship, with the next season not starting until March, there is great availability for that.”
F1 needs a minimum of eight races for a valid championship and the 2020 season is currently due to end in Abu Dhabi on November 29.
Binotto also stated that “cancelling Friday practice” has been discussed, which would lead to shortened weekends and potentially more scope for back-to-back races.
Ferrari, based in northern Italy, are currently in shutdown and Binotto said he has been working from home since returning from the cancelled season-opener in Australia.
“I speak to the drivers almost daily. We talk on the phone and see each other through video calls.