Formula 1 may impose restrictions preventing team members from mixing with rivals’ staff at races held behind closed doors as a health precaution.

The sport is investigating measures it could take to hold races while minimising the risk of worsening the pandemic, which has led the opening nine races to be postponed or cancelled.

One option which is being actively pursued is starting the season with a series of races held with minimal staff at otherwise empty circuits. Teams would be required to limit the number of staff in attendance, all would have to be tested for the Covid-19 coronavirus prior to arrival, and teams would be segregated from each other at the circuit as far as possible.

The spacious modern paddocks at the Red Bull Ring and Silverstone, which have been tipped to hold multiple races when the championship begins, would make it easier for teams to observe social distancing practices.

F1 cancelled its scheduled first race of the season shortly before Friday practice was due to begin in Melbourne after a McLaren team member tested positive for the virus.

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc backed the idea of holding races behind closed doors but admitted it would lack the atmosphere of a typical grand prix weekend.

“It will definitely not feel like a normal race because during a race weekend you can really feel the support of the fans, you can see them, you can hear them. So it is different, [they] cheer you up whenever you have bad times and it will cheer you up even more when you have good times because they are happy for you. So it is going to be very different.

“But I definitely think it’s better than nothing. So if we can start like this in a safe way for everyone, then I think it’s a good way to start the season as it will entertain the people first that are home. And obviously it will also help us to get back into the car, which is what we are all missing the most. But the priority should be to do it in safety.”

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2020 F1 season