The Bahrain and Vietnam Grands Prix have been called off because of the coronavirus pandemic, as Formula 1 expect the season to begin in May.
The Bahrain race was due to be held behind closed doors on 22 March, with the Vietnam Grand Prix on 5 April.
The Australian and Chinese Grands Prix were already cancelled, with the Dutch Grand Prix scheduled for 3 May.
Organisers will assess the “viability of potential alternative dates” later this year should the situation improve.
“Formula 1, the FIA and the promoters have taken these decisions in order to ensure the health and safety of the travelling staff, championship participants and fans, which remains our primary concern,” said a statement.
It added: “As a result, Formula 1 and the FIA expect to begin the Championship in Europe at the end of May but given the sharp increase in Covid-19 cases in Europe in recent days, this will be regularly reviewed.”
It was announced on Thursday that the Australian Grand Prix had been called off after eight F1 workers had been assessed and tested for Covid-19.
Seven were cleared on Thursday but an eighth, from McLaren, tested positive.
Vietnam Grand Prix organisers appear to have acted after the government in Hanoi banned travel into the country for anyone who has been in Italy – among other locations – in the previous 14 days.
The Chinese Grand Prix, scheduled to be the fourth race, was postponed in February after government officials said it could not go ahead.
Article courtesy of BBC Sport
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