F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Coulthard: F1 will soon return, but behind closed gates

David Coulthard is predicting a swift return of F1 in the coming months, but the ex-F1 driver also believes the racing will resume without any spectators.

A string of eight cancellations has set the earliest possible start date for the 2020 season at Montreal on June 14, although many consider a mid-summer kick-off as more realistic.

F1 chief executive Chase Carey expressed earlier this week his confidence of getting the show on the road "at some point over the summer".

But if the sport is fortunate enough to get itself in gear sooner rather than later, Coulthard believes the action will take place in front of empty grandstands.

"I really believe that sporting events will return much faster than concerts and other events that attract a lot of people, so the races will start again soon," the Channel 4 pundit told Ziggo Sport.

"I think the Grand Prix will take place without spectators in the stands soon."

Coulthard's prediction somewhat defies commercial logic as one wonders how a promoter could possibly be enticed to stage a race that would generate zero box office sales.

©RedBull

But the Scot insists that closed-gate events can happen, including the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, a race guaranteed to attract a full house thanks to Max Verstappen.

"The races will be held with the public in the last part of the season," added the 13-time Grand Prix winner. "Even if there are no fans, I think the Dutch Grand Prix will be successful.

"It is a pity that the race did not take place on the scheduled dates because of this. Everyone was eagerly awaiting such a race and I hope they can set a specific date.

"Everything that happens reminds the world that we should be careful."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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