Red Bull 'in support' of early F1 summer break

Red Bull has applauded Formula 1’s decision to bring forward the summer shutdown, which the Milton Keynes squad will enter on March 27.

On Wednesday the Formula 1 teams gave the go-ahead to the sport’s bosses to not only change the summer break from August to March and April but also increase it to 21 days.

The vote was in response to the on-going coronavirus crisis that has seen two paddock members test positive and many others enter self-isolation after returning from Melbourne.

The teams have the freedom to choose their three-week period, the only criteria is that it must fall between now and the end of April.

Red Bull will start its on March 27.

A statement read: “In light of the escalating COVID-19 pandemic, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing is in support of the decision taken by Formula One and the FIA to bring forward the annual shutdown from August to March / April 2020 and extend it to 21 days.

“As a team we currently plan to shutdown on 27th March for a three week period, however due to the ever changing nature of the pandemic there may be some flexibility around these dates.

“Whilst we would all love to return to racing, the severity of this global pandemic is changing by the hour and the impact transcends our sport. We therefore agree with the measures being taken to reduce the risk of transmission and will support any further race postponements that are deemed necessary.

“The health, safety and wellbeing of our team, guests, fans and the local communities we visit are our absolute priority and we are taking every possible precaution to mitigate the spread of the virus.

“As such, we will also be taking extra precautions as a team to protect our workforce while they are in the factory by implementing special working measures, guided by the UK Government and medical professionals.

“We share the disappointment of our fans and partners that purchased tickets to attend this year’s postponed Grands Prix and our well wishes go to our McLaren and Pirelli colleagues recovering from the COVID-19 virus, as well as the McLaren team members currently quarantined in Australia.”

The decision to have an early summer break means when, or maybe it is if, the Formula 1 does begin the teams can race through to December without needing to stop for a two-week break in August.

There is talk of a possible 18-race calendar held over the course of 182 days. But all F1 needs, according to the rules to make up a championship, is eight races.

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