The FIA has confirmed that Formula 1 teams must observe a factory shutdown period of 63 days, an increase from the previous 35-day phase.
Formula 1 has yet to start its 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic, with July’s Austrian Grand Prix outlined as a potential curtain-raiser.
In a bid to cut costs Formula 1 has already enacted several measures, most notably by delaying new regulations until 2021, as well as the retention of this year’s cars for the following campaign.
Formula 1 teams traditionally observe a two-week shutdown in August but for 2020 this was brought forwards to March/April, and extended by a week, in order to assist teams in saving money.
The WMSC then extended the initial three-week period to five weeks, and on Tuesday announced that a further four weeks has been added to the shutdown period.
It means factories will be closed until at least mid-May.
An extension has also been approved to ensure engine bases remain closed for a period of 49 days.
Engine manufacturers were not previously covered by Formula 1’s summer shutdown but amid the ongoing pandemic the FIA acted and implemented a new clause into the regulations.
“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,” read a statement.
“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 10 personnel to work remotely on long lead time projects.
“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.”
All Formula 1 team bases are located in countries where strict lockdown measures remain in place, meaning they are shut anyway on the advice of respective governments and authorities.
Alfa Romeo (Sauber Motorsport) is based in Switzerland, Ferrari and AlphaTauri in Italy, with the remaining seven teams in the United Kingdom.
AlphaTauri’s aerodynamics department is also located in the United Kingdom while Renault’s engine division is centred in France.
Some parts of the factory remain open for the equipment that is being produced to assist in the fight against the pandemic, as well as for essential maintenance.
Several UK-based Formula 1 teams, including the Formula 1 organisation itself, have furloughed staff, as is permitted under the government’s Job Retention Scheme.
