Brown expects F1 to lose 'a race or two' to COVID in 2021

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Zak Brown believes F1 will continue to suffer this season from the COVID-19 pandemic, the McLaren boss expecting to see one or two race cancellations in the coming months.

Formula 1 worked wonders to put together a 17-race schedule last year after the onslaught of the coronavirus. And for 2021, the sport has put together a record 23-event calendar that it hopes will unfold even while the coronavirus continues to linger.

However, promoters are likely to remain dependent on the evolution of local sanitary restrictions, with no country immune to a sudden spike in COVID cases that could lead to more disruptions for F1.

Upcoming races in Europe currently appear secure, including the Monaco Grand Prix which was cancelled last year. But the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal mid-June remains uncertain, with a final call on the race expected to be made in the coming weeks.

Brown is hoping for the best but warns that it will be touch-and-go for a few races.

"We think there’s going to be an impact, the calendar has already been changed once," said Brown in Bahrain.

"I think the sport did an awesome job getting 17 races in half a year. It’s great we started in March.

"I think we will lose a race or two. Not long ago, as you all know, the [Formula 1] calendar was 15, 16, 17 or 18 races, so I think if we can get in 20 races over a normal calendar season that is a very complete Formula 1 schedule."

Read also: Former F1 driver 'feared he would die' from COVID

Countries worldwide are rolling out COVID-19 vaccine programs, but their effects likely won't be felt until the summer, which means that F1 will need to closely monitor cases with local officials as the season unravels.

"I think we’ll just have to see how things and vaccines roll out over the course of the year and see which countries may or may not be impacted," added Brown.

"I’m confident we’ll get in 20 races through a March to December timeframe."

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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.