Red Bull’s Dutch driver Max Verstappen steers his car during the Formula One Russian Grand Prix at the Sochi Autodrom Circuit in Sochi on September 27, 2020. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / POOL / AFP)
The two Formula 1 Grand Prix to be contested in Bahrain this season will be held behind closed doors, apart from some guest members of the kingdom’s health services, organizers said on Saturday.
Two races are to be held on the Sakhir circuit, the Bahrain GP on November 29 and the Sakhir GP a week later on December 6.
“This decision was taken due to the current situation on the front lines of the global Covid-19 pandemic, after discussions between circuit officials and the government of Bahrain,” the statement said.
“However, there will be a limited number of places in the stands reserved for the families of members of the health and emergency services in recognition of their contribution to the fight against the pandemic in the kingdom.”
Four events remain to be run before the end of the 2020 F1 world championship — the Turkish GP on November 15, those of Bahrain and Sakhir and that of Abu Dhabi on December 13.