McLaren Technology Centre

Lockdown in UK prompts F1 teams to begin shutdowns early

2020 F1 season

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UK-based Formula 1 teams have brought their planned factory shutdowns forward to tomorrow in response to the new restrictions introduced by the government yesterday.

In order to contain the spread of the pandemic, the British government yesterday ordered people to remain in their homes. Travel to businesses is only permitted if they cannot work remotely. The measures have been put in place for at least the next three weeks.

Teams has already changed their factory shutdown plans after F1 decided to move its summer break forwards from August to March and April. However the new measures announced yesterday have led several British teams to change their plans.

Williams advised their factory shutdown will begin tomorrow morning at 6am and run until 6am on April 15th. A McLaren spokesperson confirmed its factory will be closed over the same period.

RaceFans understands Red Bull, which originally announced its shutdown would begin on Friday, will also be closed from tomorrow.

Other teams are also revising their plans in response to the change in government restrictions. Haas began its shutdown on March 19th.

Under F1’s regulations, engine builders are not required to observe the shutdown. These and other parts of teams’ operations are not required to close, and the work some teams are doing on developing and producing ventilators are not expected to be affected.

In Italy, which imposed a similar lockdown earlier than the UK, Ferrari and AlphaTauri have already begun their shutdowns.

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3 comments on “Lockdown in UK prompts F1 teams to begin shutdowns early”

  1. Why don’t you tell us more about how great the “Summer Grand Prix” in France is going to be? Should I start booking my tickets, flights and accommodation now?

  2. Wasn’t sure where to put this, but I think the UK Formula E race is pretty much guaranteed to be postponed now that they’re using the ExCel centre as a makeshift hospital. Even if a late July date might be feasible, this surely denies any necessary setup / prep time?

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-52018477

  3. Do we have any further info on what, if any, part F1 teams are now going to play in the race to build more ventilators? And whether teams that are doing that are going to be halted in that endeavour by closures?

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