2020 Formula One World Championship#Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

Each team was required to enter at least two drivers, one for each of the two mandatory cars.{{cite web|url=https://www.fia.com/events/fia-formula-one-world-championship/season-2020/2020-2021-fia-formula-one-world-championship|title=2020 FIA Formula One World Championship Entry list|date=28 January 2021|access-date=24 February 2022|archive-date=24 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224113048/https://www.fia.com/events/fia-formula-one-world-championship/season-2020/2020-fia-formula-one-world-championship-entry|url-status=live}} All teams competed with tyres supplied by Pirelli.{{cite news|url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/11/26/pirelli-to-remain-f1-tyre-supplier-until-2023/|title=Pirelli to remain F1 tyre supplier until 2023|first=Mat|last=Coch|work=speedcafe.com|publisher=Speedcafe|date=26 November 2018|access-date=10 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821215821/https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/11/26/pirelli-to-remain-f1-tyre-supplier-until-2023/|archive-date=21 August 2019|url-status=live}}

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Across the season, four drivers drove as a test or third driver in free practice sessions. Jack Aitken and Roy Nissany both drove for Williams at one and three Grands Prix, respectively, Robert Kubica drove for Alfa Romeo Racing at five Grands Prix and Mick Schumacher drove for Haas at one Grand Prix.

Schumacher and Callum Ilott were entered to appear in the first practice session for the {{F1GP|2020|Eifel}}, driving for Alfa Romeo Racing and Haas, respectively, but the session was cancelled due to bad weather conditions.{{Cite web|title=Bad weather at the Nurburgring prevents any running in first practice for the Eifel Grand Prix|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.bad-weather-at-the-nurburgring-prevents-any-running-in-first-practice-for.5HhZ8X5TxXWDJ148LI8lR3.html|access-date=9 October 2020|date=9 October 2020|website=F1|archive-date=11 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111062009/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.bad-weather-at-the-nurburgring-prevents-any-running-in-first-practice-for.5HhZ8X5TxXWDJ148LI8lR3.html|url-status=live}}

Red Bull GmbH, the parent company of Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Toro Rosso, renamed Toro Rosso as "Scuderia AlphaTauri". The team uses the constructor name "AlphaTauri". The name is derived from Red Bull's AlphaTauri fashion brand.{{cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/146617/toro-rosso-name-change-for-2020-approved|title=Toro Rosso's name change approved for 2020 Formula 1 season|first=Scott|last=Mitchell|work=Autosport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|date=16 October 2019|access-date=16 October 2019|url-access=limited|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016120054/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/146617/toro-rosso-name-change-for-2020-approved|archive-date=16 October 2019|url-status=live}}

After a year's absence, Esteban Ocon returned to racing in Formula One after signing a contract with Renault, replacing Nico Hülkenberg.{{cite web|url=https://www.renaultsport.com/esteban-ocon-joins-renault-f1-team.html|title=Esteban Ocon joins Renault F1 Team|date=29 August 2019|access-date=29 August 2019|work=renaultsport.com|publisher=Renault Sport|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829121216/https://www.renaultsport.com/esteban-ocon-joins-renault-f1-team.html|archive-date=29 August 2019|url-status=live}} Robert Kubica left Williams at the end of the 2019 championship and joined Alfa Romeo Racing as a reserve driver. Nicholas Latifi, the 2019 Formula 2 Championship runner-up, replaced Kubica at Williams.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.latifi-to-williams-for-2020-f2-racer-replaces-kubica.3GkU6EaImKmzKt6qZU0eiF.html|title=Latifi to Williams for 2020: F2 racer replaces Kubica|date=28 November 2019|website=F1|access-date=28 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128091835/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.latifi-to-williams-for-2020-f2-racer-replaces-kubica.3GkU6EaImKmzKt6qZU0eiF.html|archive-date=28 November 2019|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/146094/kubica-announces-williams-exit-after-2019|title=Robert Kubica announces Williams exit after F1 2019 season|last=Cooper|first=Adam|date=19 September 2019|work=Autosport.com|access-date=19 September 2019|url-access=limited|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190919194502/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/146094/kubica-announces-williams-exit-after-2019|archive-date=19 September 2019}}

{{Multiple image

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| image1 = George Russell, Silverstone 2021 (51350033659) (cropped).jpg

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| footer = George Russell (left) substituted for Lewis Hamilton (centre) at Mercedes for the Sakhir Grand Prix after the latter tested positive for COVID-19. Jack Aitken (right) then substituted for Russell at Williams.

}}

A day before the British Grand Prix weekend, Racing Point driver Sergio Pérez tested positive for COVID-19 and was ruled out of the race weekend.{{Cite web|title=Sergio Perez ruled out of British Grand Prix after testing positive for Covid-19|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-perez-ruled-out-of-british-grand-prix-after-testing-positive-for.4MLhBq01mPizIDrg3jrWXJ.html|access-date=30 July 2020|website=F1|date=30 July 2020|archive-date=30 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730191519/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-perez-ruled-out-of-british-grand-prix-after-testing-positive-for.4MLhBq01mPizIDrg3jrWXJ.html|url-status=live}} After seeking clarification from Public Health England, Racing Point stated that they intended to let Pérez race in the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix pending a negative coronavirus test.{{Cite news|title=Racing Point say Sergio Perez will race in 70th Anniversary GP – pending negative Covid test|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.racing-point-say-perez-will-race-in-70th-anniversary-gp-pending-negative.6xIByUDrMKDb41z3LfkHYy.html|access-date=7 August 2020|website=F1|date=6 August 2020|archive-date=7 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807224548/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.racing-point-say-perez-will-race-in-70th-anniversary-gp-pending-negative.6xIByUDrMKDb41z3LfkHYy.html|url-status=live}} This re-test came back positive and so Pérez was also unable to take part in the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix. He was replaced for both races by Nico Hülkenberg, who had raced for the team's predecessor Force India in {{F1|2012}} and from {{F1|2014}} to {{F1|2016}}, and last raced in Formula One at the 2019 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.{{cite web |last1=Rencken |first1=Dieter |last2=Collantine |first2=Keith |title=Official: Racing Point name 'supersub' Hulkenberg as Perez's replacement for British Grand Prix |url=https://www.racefans.net/2020/07/31/official-racing-point-name-hulkenberg-as-perezs-replacement-for-british-grand-prix/ |website=RaceFans |date=31 July 2020 |access-date=31 July 2020 |archive-date=18 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018103922/https://www.racefans.net/2020/07/31/official-racing-point-name-hulkenberg-as-perezs-replacement-for-british-grand-prix/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.confirmed-hulkenberg-to-stand-in-for-perez-at-racing-point-at-70th.2YNIHBSSTSPV4B83hsC5vN.html|title=Hulkenberg to stand in for Perez at Racing Point at 70th Anniversary GP|date=7 August 2020|website=F1|access-date=7 August 2020|archive-date=7 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807101203/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.confirmed-hulkenberg-to-stand-in-for-perez-at-racing-point-at-70th.2YNIHBSSTSPV4B83hsC5vN.html|url-status=live}} Pérez had a negative coronavirus test result the week preceding the Spanish Grand Prix weekend and he competed in the Grand Prix having been cleared by the FIA to return.{{Cite web|title=Sergio Perez will compete in Spanish GP weekend after testing negative for Covid-19|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-perez-will-compete-in-spanish-gp-weekend-after-testing-negative-for.5xCHxe9XrVYLTPR9pAio7k.html|access-date=13 August 2020|website=F1|archive-date=17 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817110853/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-perez-will-compete-in-spanish-gp-weekend-after-testing-negative-for.5xCHxe9XrVYLTPR9pAio7k.html|url-status=live}} Pérez's Racing Point teammate Lance Stroll felt ill prior to the Eifel Grand Prix and tested positive for the coronavirus on the day of the race. Hülkenberg again raced for the team.{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Luke |title=Hulkenberg to replace Stroll ahead of F1 Eifel GP qualifying |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/152694/hulkenberg-to-replace-unwell-stroll-at-f1-eifel-gp |website=Autosport |publisher=Motorsport Network |access-date=10 October 2020 |archive-date=12 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212040106/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/152694/hulkenberg-to-replace-unwell-stroll-at-f1-eifel-gp |url-status=live }}

After Romain Grosjean suffered burns to his hands following a crash at the Bahrain Grand Prix, Haas promoted test driver Pietro Fittipaldi to make his debut at the Sakhir Grand Prix.{{cite web |title=Haas F1 Team Confirms Fittipaldi for Sakhir Grand Prix |url=https://www.haasf1team.com/news/haas-f1-team-confirms-fittipaldi-sakhir-grand-prix |publisher=Haas F1 Team |access-date=30 November 2020 |archive-date=30 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130110156/https://www.haasf1team.com/news/haas-f1-team-confirms-fittipaldi-sakhir-grand-prix |url-status=live }} Grosjean also missed the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix because of his recovery after the crash in Bahrain; Fittipaldi raced again for the team.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-grosjean-announces-he-will-miss-abu-dhabi-gp-to-focus-on-recovery.hO85GVQ5eU3927lFFAM5W.html|title=Grosjean announces he will miss Abu Dhabi GP to focus on recovery, bringing Haas career to a close|website=F1|date=6 December 2020|access-date=6 December 2020|archive-date=19 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219140903/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-grosjean-announces-he-will-miss-abu-dhabi-gp-to-focus-on-recovery.hO85GVQ5eU3927lFFAM5W.html|url-status=live}} Lewis Hamilton tested positive for the coronavirus prior to the Sakhir Grand Prix and was forced to sit out.{{Cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/153866/hamilton-to-miss-sakhir-gp-after-positive-covid19-test|title=Hamilton to miss F1 Sakhir GP after testing positive for COVID-19|work=Autosport|last=Cooper|first=Adam|date=1 December 2020|access-date=1 December 2020|archive-date=1 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201073312/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/153866/hamilton-to-miss-sakhir-gp-after-positive-covid19-test|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team Announcement |url=https://www.mercedesamgf1.com/en/news/2020/2020-sakhir-grand-prix/mercedes-amg-f1-team-announcement/ |publisher=Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team |access-date=1 December 2020 |archive-date=6 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206060715/https://www.mercedesamgf1.com/en/news/2020/2020-sakhir-grand-prix/mercedes-amg-f1-team-announcement/ |url-status=live }} He was replaced by George Russell, with Jack Aitken replacing Russell at Williams.{{Cite news|date=2 December 2020|title=George Russell to replace Hamilton at Mercedes for Sakhir Grand Prix|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-george-russell-to-replace-hamilton-at-mercedes-for-sakhir-grand.5vMOKRppSzFMz7RZzdzmxs.html|access-date=2 December 2020|website=F1|archive-date=2 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202070841/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-george-russell-to-replace-hamilton-at-mercedes-for-sakhir-grand.5vMOKRppSzFMz7RZzdzmxs.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/153890/russell-joins-mercedes-for-sakhir-gp|url-access=limited|date=2 December 2020|access-date=2 December 2020|work=Autosport|title=Russell joins Mercedes for Sakhir GP, Aitken to make F1 debut for Williams|last=Smith|first=Luke|archive-date=22 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122012945/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/153890/russell-joins-mercedes-for-sakhir-gp|url-status=live}} Hamilton returned to Mercedes for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, after testing negative for the coronavirus, with Russell returning to Williams.{{cite web| url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-to-make-mercedes-return-in-abu-dhabi-after-testing-covid-negative.6crMz5aWmfElFkpMdTpLwL.html| title=Hamilton to make Mercedes return in Abu Dhabi after testing Covid-negative, with Russell heading back to Williams| website=formula1.com| date=10 December 2020| access-date=10 December 2020| archive-date=10 December 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210174506/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-to-make-mercedes-return-in-abu-dhabi-after-testing-covid-negative.6crMz5aWmfElFkpMdTpLwL.html| url-status=live}}

Twenty-two Grands Prix were originally scheduled for the 2020 World Championship. However, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in numerous race cancellations and postponements. A rescheduled calendar consisted of seventeen Grands Prix, nine from the original 2020 calendar and eight other Grands Prix, while the other thirteen original 2020 races were cancelled. This also meant that the season started with two races in Austria, and later on in the season there were also two races at Silverstone Circuit along with two races at Bahrain International Circuit. Each race is the minimum number of laps that exceeds a total distance of {{cvt|305|km|1}}. Under the sporting regulations, a minimum of eight races must take place for the season to be considered a championship.{{cite web|date=19 June 2020|title=2020 Formula One Sporting Regulations|url=https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/2020_formula_1_sporting_regulations_-_iss_9_-_2020-06-19_0.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712054833/https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/2020_formula_1_sporting_regulations_-_iss_9_-_2020-06-19_0.pdf|archive-date=12 July 2020|access-date=12 July 2020|publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|page=31}}{{efn|Under the FIA's International Sporting Code, a season must contest races across three continents to be considered a World Championship.{{Cite web | url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/148887/how-many-races-does-f1-need-to-declare-a-season | title=How many races does Formula 1 need to declare a season? | access-date=4 June 2020 | archive-date=4 June 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604212101/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/148887/how-many-races-does-f1-need-to-declare-a-season | url-status=live | last1=Smith | first1=Luke }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/149786/brawn-european-calendar-counts-as-world-championship|title=F1 News: European calendar would count as world championship, says Brawn|first=Adam|last=Cooper|work=autosport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|date=4 June 2020|access-date=5 June 2020|archive-date=4 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200604222922/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/149786/brawn-european-calendar-counts-as-world-championship|url-status=live}}}}

The following rounds were included on the original calendar published by the World Motor Sport Council but were cancelled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic:

After purchasing the commercial rights to the sport from CVC Capital Partners in January 2017, Liberty Media announced plans to expand the Formula One calendar using a concept they termed "destination races" and modelled on the Singapore Grand Prix.{{cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/135770/f1-promises-not-to-turn-its-back-on-europe|title=F1 promises it won't turn its back on Europe with new races in US and Asia|first1=Oriol|last1=Puigdemont|first2=Jonathan|last2=Noble|work=Autosport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|date=3 May 2018|access-date=4 May 2018|url-access=limited|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180505065916/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/135770/f1-promises-not-to-turn-its-back-on-europe|archive-date=5 May 2018|url-status=live}} Under the "destination races" model, Grands Prix would be established in or near key tourist destinations and integrate racing, entertainment and social functions. Several countries and venues announced plans to bid for a Grand Prix,{{cite news|url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/02/22/argentina-seeking-place-2019-f1-calendar/|title=Argentina seeking place on 2019 F1 calendar|first=Mat|last=Coch|work=speedcafe.com|date=22 February 2018|access-date=22 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224054020/https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/02/22/argentina-seeking-place-2019-f1-calendar/|archive-date=24 February 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/141068/study-into-finland-f1-race-at-new-motogp-track|title=Finland Formula 1 race study under way at proposed MotoGP venue|first=Scott|last=Mitchell|work=Autosport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|date=17 January 2019|access-date=18 January 2019|url-access=limited|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117221145/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/141068/study-into-finland-f1-race-at-new-motogp-track|archive-date=17 January 2019|url-status=live}} with two bids being successful:

• The Vietnamese Grand Prix was announced as the first new race created under Liberty's management.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.vietnam-to-host-formula-1-grand-prix-from-2020.5GwYlGbr56A0GCycMuUM0G.html|title=Vietnam to host Formula 1 Grand Prix from 2020|website=F1|date=7 November 2018|access-date=7 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107145107/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.vietnam-to-host-formula-1-grand-prix-from-2020.5GwYlGbr56A0GCycMuUM0G.html|archive-date=7 November 2018|url-status=live}} The race was given a provisional date of April 2020 and was planned to take place in the capital Hanoi on the Hanoi Circuit,{{cite news|url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/11/07/vietnam-secures-2020-formula-1-berth/|title=Vietnam secures 2020 Formula 1 berth|first=Daniel|last=Herrero|work=speedcafe.com|publisher=Speedcafe|date=7 November 2018|access-date=7 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108192950/https://www.speedcafe.com/2018/11/07/vietnam-secures-2020-formula-1-berth/|archive-date=8 November 2018|url-status=live}} but was later cancelled.{{cite web |title=Cancellation of the 2020 Vinfast Vietnam Grand Prix |url=https://www.f1vietnamgp.com/news/f1-vietnam-grand-prix/cancellation-of-the-2020-f1-vietnam-p260 |publisher=Vietnam Grand Prix |access-date=16 October 2020 |date=16 October 2020 |archive-date=9 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109041549/https://www.f1vietnamgp.com/news/f1-vietnam-grand-prix/cancellation-of-the-2020-f1-vietnam-p260 |url-status=dead }}
• The Dutch Grand Prix was due to be revived,{{cite news|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.dutch-grand-prix-to-return-at-zandvoort-from-2020.1OTLRqLZB6mXdD1VPyHiNx.html|title=Dutch Grand Prix to return at Zandvoort from 2020|date=14 May 2019|website=F1|access-date=14 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514091127/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.dutch-grand-prix-to-return-at-zandvoort-from-2020.1OTLRqLZB6mXdD1VPyHiNx.html|archive-date=14 May 2019|url-status=live}} with the race scheduled to take place at the Circuit Zandvoort.{{cite news|title=Why the chance of a revived F1 Dutch Grand Prix is so realistic|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/141393/why-a-revived-dutch-gp-is-so-realistic|first1=Erwin|last1=Jaeggi|first2=Scott|last2=Mitchell|work=Autosport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|date=8 February 2019|access-date=10 February 2019|url-access=limited|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190212070501/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/141393/why-a-revived-dutch-gp-is-so-realistic|archive-date=12 February 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/143385/dutch-grand-prix-seals-return-to-f1-calendar|title=Dutch Grand Prix seals return to Formula 1 calendar for 2020|first=Scott|last=Mitchell|work=Autosport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|date=14 May 2019|access-date=14 May 2019|url-access=limited|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514100104/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/143385/dutch-grand-prix-seals-return-to-f1-calendar|archive-date=14 May 2019|url-status=live}} The 2020 race would have marked the first time the Dutch Grand Prix has been run since {{F1|1985}}. However, the race was later cancelled.

Liberty Media initially expected that the 2020 calendar would consist of twenty-one Grands Prix and that any new races would come at the expense of existing events, but later negotiated an agreement with the teams to allow up to twenty-two Grands Prix. Several further changes were made between the 2019 and 2020 calendars, with the German Grand Prix discontinued and the Mexican Grand Prix planned to be rebranded as the Mexico City Grand Prix before it was cancelled.{{cite news|url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2019/05/10/two-new-events-expected-for-2020-f1-calendar/|title=Two new events expected for 2020 F1 calendar|first=Mat|last=Coch|work=speedcafe.com|publisher=Speedcafe|date=10 May 2019|access-date=10 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822174219/https://www.speedcafe.com/2019/05/10/two-new-events-expected-for-2020-f1-calendar/|archive-date=22 August 2019|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/145213/f1-teams-agree-to-22race-2020-calendar--wolff|title=F1 teams have agreed to allow a 22-race 2020 calendar says Wolff|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|work=Autosport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|date=4 August 2019|access-date=4 August 2019|url-access=limited|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804113155/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/145213/f1-teams-agree-to-22race-2020-calendar--wolff|archive-date=4 August 2019|url-status=live}}

Teams were allowed to use an additional MGU-K compared to 2019 to compensate for the increased demands of contesting the originally planned twenty-two races.{{Cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/145651/f1-teams-agree-to-increase-2020-mguk-limit|title=F1 teams agree MGU-K allocation-limit increase with 2020's 22 races|first=Adam|last=Cooper|website=Autosport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|date=30 August 2019|access-date=30 August 2019|url-access=limited|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830131714/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/145651/f1-teams-agree-to-increase-2020-mguk-limit|archive-date=30 August 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.f1-rules-and-regulations-whats-new-for-2020.6bjmeHbyNBKVA70f4ntN64.html|title=F1 Rules & Regulations: What's new for 2020?|date=8 January 2020|website=F1|url-status=live|access-date=11 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111181353/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.f1-rules-and-regulations-whats-new-for-2020.6bjmeHbyNBKVA70f4ntN64.html|archive-date=11 January 2020}}{{clarify|date=November 2020 |reason=Does this regulation change still apply in the wake of the schedule changes resulting from the pandemic? }}

Drivers who participated in free practice sessions were eligible for additional FIA Super Licence points. Any driver who completed a minimum {{cvt|100|km}} during a free practice session received an additional Super Licence point on the condition that they do not commit a driving infraction. Drivers could only accrue ten Super Licence points across a three-season period from free practice sessions.{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/144100/practice-will-count-towards-f1-superlicence-points|title=Practice sessions will count towards F1 superlicence points|first=Scott|last=Mitchell|website=Autosport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|url-access=limited|access-date=15 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617231608/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/144100/practice-will-count-towards-f1-superlicence-points|archive-date=17 June 2019|url-status=live}} The rules around helmet designs were relaxed with drivers allowed to change their design as many times as they wanted between races, having previously been restricted to a base design and one permitted major design change (excluding minor alterations) since 2015.{{Cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/148571/f1-helmet-design-restrictions-lifted-by-fia|title=FIA drops rule restricting F1 helmet design changes|first=Adam|last=Cooper|website=Autosport.com|access-date=5 January 2021|archive-date=27 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127075619/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/148571/f1-helmet-design-restrictions-lifted-by-fia|url-status=live}}

As a result of what was then planned to be an expanded calendar, the two pre-season tests which took place at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya were reduced in length from four days to three days each, whilst the two in-season tests that took place at Bahrain International Circuit and Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in 2019 were discontinued. Teams were no longer allowed to hide their cars during testing.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.formula-1-pre-season-testing-dates-confirmed-for-2020.6GVWbMDowXoePyrfMGgSkf.html|title=Formula 1 pre-season testing dates and race calendar confirmed for 2020|website=F1|publisher=Formula One World Championship Limited|date=4 October 2019|access-date=27 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212170657/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.formula-1-pre-season-testing-dates-confirmed-for-2020.6GVWbMDowXoePyrfMGgSkf.html|archive-date=12 February 2020|url-status=live}} The amount of time in which car mechanics were prohibited from working on the car was extended from eight to nine hours.

The rules surrounding jump starts and the weighbridge were relaxed with the race stewards able to hand out less severe punishments for missing the weighbridge and jump starts.

In order to reduce the risk of punctures, the last {{cvt|50|mm}} of the front wing could no longer contain any metal. Brake ducts could no longer be outsourced and must be made and designed by the team. The amount of fuel that could be outside of the fuel tank was reduced from {{Convert|2|l|imppt}} to {{Convert|250|ml|imppt}}. A decrease in electronic driver aids meant that drivers were responsible for managing more of the car's torque during race starts.

From the Italian Grand Prix, drivers were only allowed to run one engine mode from the start of qualifying to the end of the race.{{Cite web|title=F1's new engine mode rules: What impact will it have at Italian GP?|url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12063678/f1s-new-engine-mode-rules-what-impact-will-it-have-at-italian-gp|access-date=22 September 2020|website=Sky Sports|archive-date=16 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116125012/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12063678/f1s-new-engine-mode-rules-what-impact-will-it-have-at-italian-gp|url-status=live}} However, drivers were still allowed to use electrical power for the powertrain throughout the race weekend.{{Cite web|last=Mitchell|first=Scott|date=3 September 2020|title=Everything you need to know about F1's party mode ban|url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/everything-you-need-to-know-about-f1s-party-mode-ban/|access-date=16 November 2020|website=The Race|archive-date=16 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116125019/https://the-race.com/formula-1/everything-you-need-to-know-about-f1s-party-mode-ban/|url-status=live}}

{{See also|COVID-19 pandemic|Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on motorsport}}

The season was heavily disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with an announcement prior to the start of the championship that the Chinese Grand Prix would be postponed due to the early COVID-19 outbreak in the country.

Italian-based teams Ferrari and AlphaTauri expressed concern about the spread of the disease and its effect on the championship.{{Cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/148478/ferrari-wants-assurances-over-coronavirus-from-f1|title=Ferrari wants assurances over coronavirus from F1 before travel|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|date=28 February 2020|website=Autosport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229014941/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/148478/ferrari-wants-assurances-over-coronavirus-from-f1|archive-date=29 February 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/148508/tost-unfair-if-australia-goes-ahead-without-all-teams|title=Tost: Unfair if Australia goes ahead without all F1 teams|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|date=2 March 2020|website=Autosport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303042841/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/148508/tost-unfair-if-australia-goes-ahead-without-all-teams|archive-date=3 March 2020}} As Italy suffered one of the worst outbreaks of the virus, both teams were concerned about the ability of their staff to leave the quarantine zone established in northern Italy and to enter host nations. Pre-season testing in Barcelona proceeded as planned, with all teams and drivers completing the six days of testing.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.pre-season-testing-analysis-mercedes-look-unbeatable-but-they-do-have-a.6AfRondXCN1panbRooEVS3.html|title=Pre-season testing analysis|website=F1|date=1 March 2020|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314094657/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.pre-season-testing-analysis-mercedes-look-unbeatable-but-they-do-have-a.6AfRondXCN1panbRooEVS3.html|archive-date=14 March 2020|url-status=live}}

Ross Brawn, the managing director of the sport, announced that Grands Prix would not go ahead if a team were blocked from entering a host nation, but that events could go ahead if a team voluntarily chose not to enter a host nation.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/51727401 |title=Coronavirus: F1 will not hold race in country preventing teams entering |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=4 March 2020 |work=BBC Sport |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200305134810/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/51727401 |archive-date=5 March 2020}} In early March, organisers of the Bahrain Grand Prix stated that the event would be "participants-only" and that no spectators would be allowed.{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/bahrain-grand-prix-no-spectators/4728805/|title=Bahrain F1 race to go ahead without spectators|website=motorsport.com|date=8 March 2020|access-date=13 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310211427/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/bahrain-grand-prix-no-spectators/4728805/|archive-date=10 March 2020|url-status=live}}

The season-opening Australian Grand Prix was expected to go ahead and all teams and drivers arrived at the venue as planned. Three days before the race was due to take place, McLaren announced their withdrawal from the event after a team member tested positive for the virus.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mclaren-withdraw-from-the-australian-grand-prix-after-a-team-member-tests.1SdS7APKH9kjZRrrJ1RFJ3.html|title=McLaren withdraw from the Australian GP after team member contracts coronavirus|website=F1|date=12 March 2020|access-date=13 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313000143/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mclaren-withdraw-from-the-australian-grand-prix-after-a-team-member-tests.1SdS7APKH9kjZRrrJ1RFJ3.html|archive-date=13 March 2020|url-status=live}} This led to the Grand Prix being cancelled altogether the following morning.{{cite news|last=Coch|first=Mat|date=13 March 2020|title=Confirmed: F1 cancelled at Australian Grand Prix|url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2020/03/13/confirmed-australian-grand-prix-cancelled/|access-date=13 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410140234/https://www.speedcafe.com/2020/03/13/confirmed-australian-grand-prix-cancelled/|archive-date=10 April 2020}} Later that day, it was announced that the Bahrain Grand Prix would be postponed rather than closed to spectators, as would the inaugural Vietnamese Grand Prix.

Formula One and the FIA released a joint statement saying that they "expect to begin the Championship in Europe at the end of May" but that this timeline "will be regularly reviewed".{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.2020-season-now-expected-to-start-at-end-of-may-say-formula-1-and-fia.2n6qLwDR90AcXuzVuu7lEa.html|title=2020 season now expected to start at end of May, say Formula 1 and FIA|website=F1|date=13 March 2020|access-date=13 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313145244/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.2020-season-now-expected-to-start-at-end-of-may-say-formula-1-and-fia.2n6qLwDR90AcXuzVuu7lEa.html|archive-date=13 March 2020|url-status=live}} On 19 March, the FIA announced that the Dutch, Spanish and Monaco Grands Prix had all been postponed indefinitely due to the pandemic. In the statement, the FIA said they now expect to begin the season "as soon as it is safe to do so after May" and that the situation would continue to be monitored.{{cite web|url=https://www.fia.com/news/fia-formula-1-dutch-spanish-and-monaco-grands-prix-be-postponed|title=FIA Formula One Dutch, Spanish and Monaco Grands Prix to be postponed|website=fia.com|date=19 March 2020|access-date=19 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319160510/https://www.fia.com/news/fia-formula-1-dutch-spanish-and-monaco-grands-prix-be-postponed|archive-date=19 March 2020|url-status=live}} The organisers of the Monaco race, Automobile Club de Monaco, clarified that the race had been cancelled. This meant that Formula One would not race in Monaco for the first time since {{F1|1954}}.{{Cite news |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.monaco-announce-cancellation-2020-f1-race.4tpwalvxWpDL0uwRMnV9TI.html |title=Monaco announce cancellation of 2020 F1 race due to coronavirus |date=19 March 2020 |work=Formula1.com |access-date=19 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319181418/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.monaco-announce-cancellation-2020-f1-race.4tpwalvxWpDL0uwRMnV9TI.html |archive-date=19 March 2020 |url-status=live }} Four days later, organisers of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix announced that the race had been postponed.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.azerbaijan-grand-prix-postponed-as-coronavirus-outbreak-continues.1RWvgRPIc71u9JtHft14eE.html|title=Azerbaijan Grand Prix postponed as coronavirus outbreak continues|website=F1|date=23 March 2020|access-date=23 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323111917/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.azerbaijan-grand-prix-postponed-as-coronavirus-outbreak-continues.1RWvgRPIc71u9JtHft14eE.html|archive-date=23 March 2020|url-status=live}}

In early April, organisers of the Canadian Grand Prix announced the race's postponement. Later in the month, the French Grand Prix organisers confirmed that the race would not be held in 2020, and the managing director of Silverstone Circuit stated that should the British Grand Prix go ahead, it would be without spectators.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.silverstone-confirms-any-british-grand-prix-will-be-closed-to-fans.5B0IRqphvUg1ITaqXk99Ls.html|title=Silverstone confirms any British Grand Prix will be closed to fans|website=F1|date=27 April 2020|access-date=27 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427141304/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.silverstone-confirms-any-british-grand-prix-will-be-closed-to-fans.5B0IRqphvUg1ITaqXk99Ls.html|archive-date=27 April 2020|url-status=live}} In May, organisers of the Hungarian Grand Prix announced that their race would use the same model.{{Cite web|title=Race officials confirm any Hungarian Grand Prix will take place without fans|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.race-officials-confirm-any-hungarian-grand-prix-would-take-place-without.1FrIx7cZimmzljmDqiFrSn.html|website=F1|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501113231/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.race-officials-confirm-any-hungarian-grand-prix-would-take-place-without.1FrIx7cZimmzljmDqiFrSn.html|archive-date=1 May 2020|access-date=1 May 2020}} The sport's plans to resume competition called for a ban on team motorhomes and a rigid testing regime to stop any outbreak of the virus.{{Cite web|url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2020/05/05/f1-to-ban-motorhomes-test-personnel-for-covid-19/|title=F1 to ban motorhomes, test personnel for COVID-19|work=Speedcafe |date=4 May 2020|access-date=5 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200506114504/https://www.speedcafe.com/2020/05/05/f1-to-ban-motorhomes-test-personnel-for-covid-19/|archive-date=6 May 2020|url-status=live |last1=Coch |first1=Mat }}

The Dutch Grand Prix was cancelled entirely in late May, with organisers of the event stating that they would prefer to host the revived race with spectators in attendance in 2021 rather than without spectators in 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.organisers-confirm-dutch-grand-prix-will-not-be-held-in-2020.1PPMxfP7C4TVXVgSTYlzZB.html|title=Organisers confirm Dutch Grand Prix will not be held in 2020|website=F1|date=28 May 2020|access-date=28 May 2020|archive-date=7 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307103532/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.organisers-confirm-dutch-grand-prix-will-not-be-held-in-2020.1PPMxfP7C4TVXVgSTYlzZB.html|url-status=live}} Formula One confirmed the cancellation of the Azerbaijan, Singapore and Japanese Grands Prix in June.{{Cite web|date=12 June 2020|title=F1 confirm 2020 Azerbaijan, Singapore and Japanese Grands Prix have been cancelled|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.f1-confirm-2020-azerbaijan-singapore-and-japanese-grands-prix-have-been.53mR0P305L9eUmDJXYOFoh.html|access-date=12 June 2020|website=F1|archive-date=12 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612081425/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.f1-confirm-2020-azerbaijan-singapore-and-japanese-grands-prix-have-been.53mR0P305L9eUmDJXYOFoh.html|url-status=live}} Organisers of the Azerbaijan and Singapore races cited the difficulty of assembling the infrastructure required for a street circuit as the reason for their cancellation, while the Japanese Grand Prix was cancelled because of the Japanese government's travel restrictions. In July the Brazilian, Canadian, Mexico City and United States Grands Prix were formally cancelled amidst rising virus cases and travel restrictions in the Americas.{{Cite web|title=Formula 1 confirms it's not possible to race in Brazil, USA, Mexico and Canada in 2020|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.formula-1-confirms-its-not-possible-to-race-in-brazil-usa-mexico-and-canada.66ZjLAp4qDgqhs3T8BbIQS.html|access-date=24 July 2020 |website=F1 |archive-date=24 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724142037/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.formula-1-confirms-its-not-possible-to-race-in-brazil-usa-mexico-and-canada.66ZjLAp4qDgqhs3T8BbIQS.html|url-status=live}} However, organisers of the Brazilian Grand Prix disputed the claims of Formula One Management and were unhappy with their race being cancelled without further consultation.{{Cite web|title=Brazilian GP promoter hits out at F1 over 2020 race cancellation|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/brazil-gp-cancellation-interlagos-liberty/4843794/?ic_source=home-page-widget&ic_medium=widget&ic_campaign=widget-1|access-date=26 July 2020 |website=motorsport.com |archive-date=26 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726101347/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/brazil-gp-cancellation-interlagos-liberty/4843794/?ic_source=home-page-widget&ic_medium=widget&ic_campaign=widget-1|url-status=live}} In August the cancellation of the Chinese Grand Prix was announced,{{cite web|url=https://sports.ndtv.com/formula-1/chinese-grand-prix-cancelled-as-formula-one-adds-four-races-to-2020-calendar-2285176|title=Chinese Grand Prix Cancelled As Formula One Adds Four Races To 2020 Calendar|website=sports.ndtv.com|date=25 August 2020|access-date=25 August 2020|archive-date=6 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406025953/https://sports.ndtv.com/formula-1/chinese-grand-prix-cancelled-as-formula-one-adds-four-races-to-2020-calendar-2285176|url-status=live}} followed, in October, by the cancellation of the inaugural Vietnamese Grand Prix.

The annual summer break, where factories shut down for two weeks, was brought forward from August to March and April. Teams nominated a three-week period to close with the aim of making room for races later in the year.{{Cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.f1-summer-shutdown-brought-forward-in-response-to-coronavirus-outbreak.5a4PM49x3Rs3WKMmxfUIO8.html|title=F1 summer shutdown brought forward in response to coronavirus outbreak|date=18 March 2020|website=F1|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318194539/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.f1-summer-shutdown-brought-forward-in-response-to-coronavirus-outbreak.5a4PM49x3Rs3WKMmxfUIO8.html|archive-date=18 March 2020|access-date=18 March 2020}} At the end of March, it was announced that for the first time the factory shut-down would additionally apply to power unit manufacturers.{{Cite web |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.fia-approve-raft-of-f1-rule-changes-for-2020-and-2021.2FbZjY6Aa16fUs4a03PTh7.html |title=FIA approve raft of F1 rule changes for 2020 and 2021 |date=31 March 2020 |website=F1 |access-date=8 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404073641/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.fia-approve-raft-of-f1-rule-changes-for-2020-and-2021.2FbZjY6Aa16fUs4a03PTh7.html |archive-date=4 April 2020 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/f1s-first-engine-manufacturer-shutdown-explained/ |title=F1's First Engine Manufacturer Shutdown Explained |last=Mitchell |first=Scott |date=2 April 2020 |website=the-race.com |access-date=8 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200526182346/https://the-race.com/formula-1/f1s-first-engine-manufacturer-shutdown-explained/ |archive-date=26 May 2020 |url-status=live }} The factory shut-down period was later extended to a total of nine weeks for competitors and seven weeks for power unit manufacturers.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.f1-shutdown-extended-by-two-weeks-amid-coronavirus-pandemic.2dK2GpyoWA0GIlyT5kbPcG.html|title=F1 shutdown extended by two weeks amid coronavirus pandemic|website=F1|date=7 April 2020|access-date=7 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407181842/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.f1-shutdown-extended-by-two-weeks-amid-coronavirus-pandemic.2dK2GpyoWA0GIlyT5kbPcG.html|archive-date=7 April 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.fia.com/news/further-extension-formula-1-shutdown-period-approved|title=Further extension to Formula 1 shutdown period approved|website=fia.com|date=28 April 2020|access-date=28 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429013518/https://www.fia.com/news/further-extension-formula-1-shutdown-period-approved|archive-date=29 April 2020|url-status=live}}

In March, teams agreed that the 2020 Championship could run into early 2021 to ensure the running of as many races as possible. Such a move would also ensure that eight Grands Prix could be held, over three different continents, thereby meeting the minimum number of races needed for the season to qualify as a World Championship.{{Cite web|url=https://racer.com/2020/03/30/f1-teams-open-to-finishing-2020-season-in-january/|title=F1 teams open to finishing 2020 season in January|date=30 March 2020|website=RACER|access-date=1 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200401080050/https://racer.com/2020/03/30/f1-teams-open-to-finishing-2020-season-in-january/|archive-date=1 April 2020|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/52078793 |title=World Championship could finish in January - Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto |date=29 March 2020 |work=BBC Sport |access-date=1 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331160603/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/52078793 |archive-date=31 March 2020 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/51977724 |title=Coronavirus and F1: Delayed start or no season at all? What happens next in Formula 1? |date=20 March 2020 |work=BBC Sport |access-date=1 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325195117/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/51977724 |archive-date=25 March 2020 |url-status=live}}

In early April, Ross Brawn suggested that a rescheduled calendar of 18 or 19 races would be possible should racing begin in July, and that the opening round "is most likely to be in Europe", potentially without spectators.{{cite web|date=8 April 2020|title=Brawn: 2020 F1 season likely to start in Europe, could be behind closed doors|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.brawn-2020-f1-season-likely-to-start-in-europe-could-be-behind-closed-doors.4lZy8iGWlkOyiO8QhLVt4k.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410031849/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.brawn-2020-f1-season-likely-to-start-in-europe-could-be-behind-closed-doors.4lZy8iGWlkOyiO8QhLVt4k.html|archive-date=10 April 2020|access-date=9 April 2020|website=F1}} He also raised the possibility of Grand Prix events being reduced to two days in order to ease pressure on logistical operations. However, Alfa Romeo Racing managing director Frédéric Vasseur cautioned that a condensed calendar could escalate the costs of competing and put smaller teams at risk of financial collapse.{{Cite web|title=Congested 2020 F1 calendar may escalate costs for small teams|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/148944/congested-calendar-may-escalate-costs-for-small-teams|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409084303/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/148944/congested-calendar-may-escalate-costs-for-small-teams|archive-date=9 April 2020|access-date=9 April 2020 |last1=Jonathan Noble |first1=Erwin Jaeggi }} This was reiterated by other teams{{who|date=November 2020}}, who pointed out that the race sanctioning fees paid by event organisers contributed to the prize money awarded to all teams at the end of the year. This money is awarded proportionally based on the teams' World Constructors' Championship positions and forms a significant part of a team's budget for the upcoming year. With fewer races and the prize structure remaining fixed, teams were concerned that they would suffer a significant financial loss.{{Cite web|date=24 April 2020|title=No racing in 2020 would be 'devastating' for F1 teams|url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2020/04/25/no-racing-in-2020-would-be-devastating-for-f1-teams/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427053808/https://www.speedcafe.com/2020/04/25/no-racing-in-2020-would-be-devastating-for-f1-teams/|archive-date=27 April 2020|access-date=25 April 2020}}

In a statement in late April, Formula One CEO Chase Carey declared the intention to begin the season on 5 July and a target to hold between 15 and 18 races overall.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.statement-from-f1-ceo-chase-carey-target-is-to-begin-season-in-austria.5zn2chyMjrqC8n0BkEt9e.html|title=Statement from F1 CEO Chase Carey: Target is to begin season in Austria on July 5|website=F1|date=27 April 2020|access-date=27 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427110536/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.statement-from-f1-ceo-chase-carey-target-is-to-begin-season-in-austria.5zn2chyMjrqC8n0BkEt9e.html|archive-date=27 April 2020|url-status=live}} In June, the first eight races of a rescheduled calendar were confirmed, with the season expected to begin on 5 July with the Austrian Grand Prix. This revised calendar included two newly named one-off events—both second races at the Red Bull Ring and Silverstone—known as the Styrian and the 70th Anniversary Grands Prix, respectively. Ross Brawn announced that the eight-round calendar was expected to grow and that the sport was considering races at venues that were not on the original calendar or using multiple configurations of existing circuits to achieve the goal of fifteen Grands Prix.{{Cite web|date=11 June 2020|title=F1 looking at alternate circuits and layouts for 2020 events|url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2020/06/12/f1-looking-at-alternate-circuits-and-layouts-for-2020-events/|access-date=12 June 2020|website=Speedcafe|archive-date=12 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612091607/https://www.speedcafe.com/2020/06/12/f1-looking-at-alternate-circuits-and-layouts-for-2020-events/|url-status=live}}

On 10 July, the Russian Grand Prix was re-added to the calendar on its originally scheduled date, and the first Tuscan Grand Prix was announced at the Mugello Circuit, the first time the circuit would host a Formula One World Championship race.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.formula-1-adds-mugello-and-sochi-to-revised-2020-f1-race-calendar.2tpfQ80LAax8Q0j0OIxdct.html|title=Formula 1 adds Mugello and Sochi to revised 2020 F1 race calendar|website=F1|date=10 July 2020|access-date=10 July 2020|archive-date=10 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710091602/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.formula-1-adds-mugello-and-sochi-to-revised-2020-f1-race-calendar.2tpfQ80LAax8Q0j0OIxdct.html|url-status=live}} Later in July, the return of the Nürburgring{{efn|All Formula One Grands Prix held at the Nürburgring since {{F1|1984}} have used the {{convert|5|km|mi|adj=mid|-long}} GP-Strecke and not the {{convert|21|km|mi|adj=mid|-long}} Nordschleife, which was last used by Formula One in {{F1|1976}}.}} and the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola to the calendar was revealed, along with the debut of the Algarve International Circuit. These races were named the Eifel and Emilia Romagna Grands Prix, respectively, with the return of the Portuguese Grand Prix for the first time since the {{F1|1996}} season. The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix took place over a shortened two-day weekend, with a single 90 minute practice session taking place on Saturday morning.{{Cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-formula-1-adds-portimao-nurburgring-and-2-day-event-in-imola-to.CGyDtalz9hBwCojE2QGCI.html|title=Formula 1 adds Portimao, Nurburgring and 2-day event in Imola to 2020 race calendar|date=24 July 2020|access-date=24 July 2020|archive-date=24 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724184431/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-formula-1-adds-portimao-nurburgring-and-2-day-event-in-imola-to.CGyDtalz9hBwCojE2QGCI.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=F1 to have one practice session at Imola|url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/f1-to-have-one-practice-session-at-imola/|last=Khorounzhiy|first=Valentin|date=4 August 2020|access-date=4 August 2020|website=the-race.com|archive-date=4 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804145441/https://the-race.com/formula-1/f1-to-have-one-practice-session-at-imola/|url-status=live}} This marks the first race at the Nürburgring since {{F1|2013}} and at Imola since {{F1|2006}}, and also the first time that a country (Italy), hosts three Grands Prix since the {{F1|1982}} season.{{Cite web|date=25 July 2020|title=F1 returns to Imola, Nurburgring as Americas races cancelled|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-25/f1-returns-imola-nurburgring-coronavirus-cancels-americas-races/12491988|access-date=21 August 2020|website=abc.net.au|archive-date=9 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609192725/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-25/f1-returns-imola-nurburgring-coronavirus-cancels-americas-races/12491988|url-status=live}}{{efn|Italy hosted three Grands Prix at Monza, Mugello and Imola. In {{F1|1982}} the United States held three Grands Prix in Long Beach, Detroit and Las Vegas.}}

In August, it was announced that Formula One would return to Istanbul Park for the first Turkish Grand Prix since the {{F1|2011}} season, together with the debut of the Sakhir Grand Prix, to be held at the Bahrain International Circuit, using the configuration of the track called "Outer Circuit". They join the rescheduled Bahrain and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix as the final four races of the season, bringing the calendar to seventeen races.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.formula-1-to-return-to-turkey-istanbul-park-as-four-more-races-added-to-F1-calendar.2cVIVl0QDr4OiZa7rPt7Zg.html|title=Formula 1 to return to Turkey as four more races are added to the 2020 F1 calendar|website=F1|date=25 August 2020|access-date=25 August 2020|archive-date=1 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901155415/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.formula-1-to-return-to-turkey-istanbul-park-as-four-more-races-added-to-F1-calendar.2cVIVl0QDr4OiZa7rPt7Zg.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.f1-to-use-bahrains-high-speed-outer-track-for-sakhir-grand-prix.6niLbb2btc0IrscR1BMpx8.html|title=F1 to use Bahrain's 'outer track' for Sakhir Grand Prix, sub-60s laps expected|website=F1|date=28 August 2020|access-date=28 August 2020|archive-date=27 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127192313/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.f1-to-use-bahrains-high-speed-outer-track-for-sakhir-grand-prix.6niLbb2btc0IrscR1BMpx8.html|url-status=live}}

Of the races and dates on the original calendar, only four races, the Austrian, Belgian, Italian and Russian Grands Prix kept their original dates.

The pandemic required changes to the format of a race weekend, which included abandoning the drivers' parade and pre-race assembly for the host venue's national anthem. A modified podium ceremony was planned for after races.{{Cite web|url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2020/06/13/f1-cuts-traditional-podium-celebrations-amid-new-norm/|title=F1 cuts traditional podium celebrations amid 'new norm'|work=Speedcafe |date=12 June 2020|access-date=4 July 2020|archive-date=8 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708052555/https://www.speedcafe.com/2020/06/13/f1-cuts-traditional-podium-celebrations-amid-new-norm/|url-status=live |last1=Chapman |first1=Simon }} The FIA introduced limits to the number of team personnel who could be on the starting grid to prepare cars and changed the cut-off times for cars to leave pit lane to minimise the amount of time team personnel spent on the grid.{{cite news|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/150074/f1-releases-details-of-latest-rule-changes|title=F1 releases details of latest rule changes|work=autosport.com|date=20 June 2020|access-date=20 June 2020|archive-date=21 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621144904/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/150074/f1-releases-details-of-latest-rule-changes|url-status=live}} Tyre supplier Pirelli was also required to provide an identical allocation of tyre compounds to all teams and drivers. Where Pirelli were previously required to announce compounds for a race several weeks in advance, this window was reduced to two weeks, allowing them to respond to anticipated changes to the calendar.

In June, Formula One launched the We Race As One initiative to fight racism, global inequity and the impact of COVID-19. The initiative used a rainbow logo, with the colours of all ten Formula One teams, also with the #WeRaceAsOne hashtag, and featured prominent We Race As One branding on vehicles (including the safety car) and signage on track. Formula One and several teams launched projects or fundraising efforts in support of the initiative.{{cite web|author=Formula One|date=22 June 2020|title=Formula 1 launches #WeRaceAsOne initiative to fight challenges of COVID-19 and global inequality|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.formula-1-launches-we-race-as-one-initiative.3s2AhNDApNDzrCoQDc1RY8.html|publisher=Formula1.com|access-date=5 August 2020|archive-date=10 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810004101/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.formula-1-launches-we-race-as-one-initiative.3s2AhNDApNDzrCoQDc1RY8.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|author=Adam Cooper|date=22 June 2020|title=F1 launches #WeRaceAsOne campaign to promote diversity|work=Autosport UK|publisher=Motorsport Network UK|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/150097/f1-launches-new-campaign-to-promote-diversity|access-date=5 August 2020|archive-date=29 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729084427/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/150097/f1-launches-new-campaign-to-promote-diversity|url-status=live}}

Ahead of the season opening Austrian Grand Prix, Red Bull launched a protest against the Mercedes F1 W11's dual axis steering, a system where the driver can adjust the toe of the car by pulling and pushing on the steering wheel. The system was found to be legal for 2020, but it would be banned by the FIA from 2021 onward.{{Cite web|date=3 July 2020|title=Mercedes DAS system ruled legal as Red Bull protest rejected|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mercedes-das-system-ruled-legal-as-red-bull-protest-rejected.6LLyYKJ0BFRQD4t6v6m1c0.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704160239/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.mercedes-das-system-ruled-legal-as-red-bull-protest-rejected.6LLyYKJ0BFRQD4t6v6m1c0.html|archive-date=4 July 2020|access-date=7 August 2020|website=F1}}

After the Styrian Grand Prix, Renault launched a protest against the brake ducts of Racing Point's car, the RP20, alleging that Racing Point had copied the brake ducts from the Mercedes F1 W10, the car used in 2019 by Mercedes. Similar protests would be launched after the Hungarian and British Grands Prix with the verdict being published between the British and 70th Anniversary Grands Prix. The ruling concluded that Racing Point had illegally copied the brake ducts of the Mercedes F1 W10 and Racing Point were subsequently penalised by 15 Constructors' Championship points and fined {{Currency|400000|EUR}}.{{Cite web|date=7 August 2020|title=Racing Point deducted 15 points and fined heavily as Renault protest into car legality upheld|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-racing-point-deducted-15-points-and-fined-heavily-as-renault.7j9tsLSAm7rXnWHxH1Uy9c.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807092858/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-racing-point-deducted-15-points-and-fined-heavily-as-renault.7j9tsLSAm7rXnWHxH1Uy9c.html|archive-date=7 August 2020|access-date=7 August 2020|website=F1}}

Racing Point, Ferrari, McLaren, Renault and Williams had all indicated an intention to appeal the stewards decision with Racing Point trying to clear their name and Ferrari, McLaren, Williams and Renault appealing for a tougher sanction.{{Cite web|last=Cooper|first=Adam|date=8 August 2020|title=Five F1 teams to appeal against Racing Point brake duct verdict|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/151181/five-teams-to-appeal-racing-point-brake-duct-verdict|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810070116/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/151181/five-teams-to-appeal-racing-point-brake-duct-verdict|archive-date=10 August 2020|access-date=8 August 2020|website=Autosport}} Ferrari, Renault and Racing Point confirmed their appeal, while Williams and McLaren pulled out of the appeal.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.ferrari-officially-appeal-against-stewards-verdict-in-racing-point-case.1ECqlYvTutvZ35MSt2gk9w.html|title=Ferrari and Renault appeal against stewards' verdict in Racing Point case, Williams and McLaren decline|website=F1|date=11 August 2020|access-date=11 August 2020|archive-date=1 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601100352/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.ferrari-officially-appeal-against-stewards-verdict-in-racing-point-case.1ECqlYvTutvZ35MSt2gk9w.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.racing-point-to-appeal-verdict-in-brake-duct-case.3cWVqF5qGvalnj2qeD1UEY.html|title=Racing Point to appeal verdict in brake duct case|website=F1|date=12 August 2020|access-date=12 August 2020|archive-date=3 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603075153/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.racing-point-to-appeal-verdict-in-brake-duct-case.3cWVqF5qGvalnj2qeD1UEY.html|url-status=live}} Later, Renault announced their decision to withdraw the appeal against the penalty handed out to Racing Point.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-renault-withdraw-appeal-against-racing-point-ruling.3mouYmZ5oKCidDwtQ4JolC.html|title='The controversy should be put behind us' – Renault withdraw appeal against Racing Point ruling|website=F1|date=25 August 2020|access-date=25 August 2020|archive-date=8 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608061327/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-renault-withdraw-appeal-against-racing-point-ruling.3mouYmZ5oKCidDwtQ4JolC.html|url-status=live}} The same decision was made by Racing Point and Ferrari before and after the Italian Grand Prix, respectively.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.racing-point-withdraw-appeal-against-stewards-verdict-on-rp20-brake-ducts.7AHXiQUy5H79Ca1vhLuyec.html|title=Racing Point withdraw appeal against stewards' verdict on RP20 brake ducts|website=F1|date=6 September 2020|access-date=6 September 2020|archive-date=22 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322163057/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.racing-point-withdraw-appeal-against-stewards-verdict-on-rp20-brake-ducts.7AHXiQUy5H79Ca1vhLuyec.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.ferrari-withdraw-appeal-against-racing-point-brake-duct-penalty-to-end-saga.1qlSXAk0JQa0yX27AXQtTb.html|title=Ferrari withdraw appeal against Racing Point brake duct penalty to end saga|website=F1|date=6 September 2020|access-date=6 September 2020|archive-date=26 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326051846/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.ferrari-withdraw-appeal-against-racing-point-brake-duct-penalty-to-end-saga.1qlSXAk0JQa0yX27AXQtTb.html|url-status=live}}

The delayed season started with five races at three venues.

The first pair of races took place at Red Bull Ring in Spielberg. In the Austrian Grand Prix, Valtteri Bottas, driving for Mercedes, took pole position, ahead of his teammate Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull's Max Verstappen; however, Hamilton was given a three-place grid penalty, since he did not slow sufficiently when yellow flags were waved following a small mistake by Bottas. This promoted Verstappen to second, McLaren driver Lando Norris to third, and Alexander Albon to fourth. In an eventful race, featuring three safety car periods and the retirements of nine drivers, Bottas won, ahead of the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc and Norris. Hamilton crossed the line in second place, but received a five-second time penalty after a collision with Albon, who soon retired; after the penalty was applied, Hamilton finished fourth, ahead of Carlos Sainz Jr., Sergio Pérez and Pierre Gasly.{{Cite web|date=5 July 2020|title=Bottas beats Leclerc and Norris to win dramatic Austrian GP as Hamilton is penalised|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.bottas-beats-leclerc-and-norris-to-win-dramatic-austrian-gp-as-hamilton-is.4hTWtVVkWLxgPKSqkmKfYF.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715145734/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.bottas-beats-leclerc-and-norris-to-win-dramatic-austrian-gp-as-hamilton-is.4hTWtVVkWLxgPKSqkmKfYF.html|archive-date=15 July 2020|access-date=7 August 2020|website=F1}}

The temporary format for some rounds featured consecutive races in consecutive weeks at the same venue. This was the case when the series stayed in Spielberg for the Styrian Grand Prix, named for the state where the circuit is located, which was won by Hamilton ahead of Bottas and Verstappen.{{Cite web|title=Hamilton eases to Styrian Grand Prix victory over Bottas as Ferraris collide|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-eases-to-styrian-grand-prix-victory-over-bottas-as-ferraris-collide.5PfZ0DxltY7qOrbeVXMLa3.html|url-status=live|archive-date=16 July 2020|access-date=7 August 2020 |website=F1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716054623/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-eases-to-styrian-grand-prix-victory-over-bottas-as-ferraris-collide.5PfZ0DxltY7qOrbeVXMLa3.html}}

The Hungaroring in Mogyoród fielded the first single race meeting of the year, the Hungarian Grand Prix, which started with a slippery track. Verstappen slid into the barrier on his way to the grid and broke his steering axis, but his mechanics managed to repair the car before the race start. The race winner was Hamilton, with Verstappen in second and Bottas in third place.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-romps-to-eighth-hungarian-grand-prix-win-as-verstappen-recovers-to.4eMNXqckIGAaCyfw1Qtg3x.html|date=19 July 2020|access-date=13 August 2020|website=F1|title=Hamilton romps to eighth Hungarian Grand Prix win, as Verstappen recovers to second|archive-date=8 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408155341/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-romps-to-eighth-hungarian-grand-prix-win-as-verstappen-recovers-to.4eMNXqckIGAaCyfw1Qtg3x.html|url-status=live}}

The next stop was Silverstone, which as another two-in-two format where Hamilton won the first race, the British Grand Prix, despite his left-front tyre delaminating in the middle of the last lap. Verstappen finished second with Leclerc in third.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-limps-to-seventh-british-grand-prix-victory-after-late-tyre-drama.5M1ymXB39Krga1wQRJ5RNc.html|title=Hamilton limps to seventh British Grand Prix victory after late tyre drama|date=2 August 2020|access-date=13 August 2020|website=F1|archive-date=3 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803203444/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-limps-to-seventh-british-grand-prix-victory-after-late-tyre-drama.5M1ymXB39Krga1wQRJ5RNc.html|url-status=live}} Bottas had a puncture which resulted in him finishing in eleventh. Daniil Kvyat had a puncture at high speed entering Maggotts corner which resulted in a big crash with a safety car, and Sainz Jr. finished 13th after a puncture made him fall from what would have been 4th place. In the second race at Silverstone the next week, the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix, Verstappen won with Hamilton second and Bottas third. This was the first non-Mercedes win of the season.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.max-verstappen-defeats-mercedes-duo-to-seal-brilliant-silverstone-win.7yP50JmLD9J01XsU4hhMex.html|title=Max Verstappen defeats Mercedes duo to seal brilliant Silverstone win|date=9 August 2020|access-date=13 August 2020|website=F1|archive-date=23 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323110635/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.max-verstappen-defeats-mercedes-duo-to-seal-brilliant-silverstone-win.7yP50JmLD9J01XsU4hhMex.html|url-status=live}}

Formula One then concluded the first part of the season with a single race at Montmeló. The Spanish Grand Prix was won by Hamilton with Verstappen in second and Bottas in third.{{Cite web|date=16 August 2020|title=Dominant Hamilton eases to fifth Spanish GP win as Verstappen splits Mercedes|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.dominant-hamilton-eases-to-fifth-spanish-gp-win-as-verstappen-splits.7rpPdVJJW3PHkrnNAisQ3G.html|access-date=20 August 2020|website=F1|archive-date=19 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819153756/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.dominant-hamilton-eases-to-fifth-spanish-gp-win-as-verstappen-splits.7rpPdVJJW3PHkrnNAisQ3G.html|url-status=live}}

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| footer = 2020 saw maiden F1 race wins for Pierre Gasly (top) and Sergio Pérez (bottom) at the Italian Grand Prix and Sakhir Grand Prix respectively.

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The next six races were single rounds at each venue, including two new circuits and a returning circuit. The Belgian Grand Prix was won by Lewis Hamilton, who led every lap and won by 8 seconds over teammate Valtteri Bottas who finished second ahead of Max Verstappen. Daniel Ricciardo finished fourth, setting the fastest lap on the last lap. On lap 11, Antonio Giovinazzi crashed at Campus corner; one of the wheels of his car came loose and hit the front right suspension of George Russell’s car, causing both drivers to retire from the race. This brought out the safety car for three laps. Renault achieved a finish of P4 and P5, equalling their best result since their return to the sport in 2016.{{Cite web|title=Hamilton takes masterful fourth win at Spa from Bottas as Ferrari finish out of the points|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-takes-masterful-fourth-win-at-spa-from-bottas-as-ferrari-finish-out.E8KCVXQHm4h6OdGoZHySe.html|access-date=16 September 2020|website=F1|archive-date=30 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830224037/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-takes-masterful-fourth-win-at-spa-from-bottas-as-ferrari-finish-out.E8KCVXQHm4h6OdGoZHySe.html|url-status=live}}

The Italian Grand Prix was won by Pierre Gasly after taking the lead following a red flag caused by Charles Leclerc, and previous leader Hamilton forced to serve a stop-and-go penalty. This was his and AlphaTauri's first race victory. The race marked the first time since Kimi Räikkönen won the 2013 Australian Grand Prix driving for Lotus F1 that the race winner did not drive for Ferrari, Mercedes, or Red Bull and the first time since the 2012 Hungarian Grand Prix that all three constructors failed to score a podium finish. The race marked the second career podium finishes for Carlos Sainz Jr., who finished second, and Lance Stroll, who finished third.{{Cite web|title=Gasly beats Sainz to maiden win in Monza thriller, as Hamilton recovers to P7 after penalty|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.gasly-takes-maiden-win-in-monza-thriller-from-sainz-as-penalty-leaves.2wjQyiSgOy8ggwcJlWHhsi.html|access-date=16 September 2020|website=F1|archive-date=6 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200906230949/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.gasly-takes-maiden-win-in-monza-thriller-from-sainz-as-penalty-leaves.2wjQyiSgOy8ggwcJlWHhsi.html|url-status=live}}

The inaugural Tuscan Grand Prix, Ferrari's 1000th Grand Prix start, resulted in Hamilton's sixth race win of the season, and Mercedes's third 1–2 finish. Bottas overtook Hamilton into turn one before a major collision at turn two caused the retirement of both Verstappen (who had fallen from 3rd to 14th due to a power issue) and Gasly. This brought out the safety car for 8 laps to allow for the debris to be cleared. At the end of the safety car period, a major misunderstanding in the upper midfield led to a large collision down the pit straight, causing the retirement of Nicholas Latifi, Kevin Magnussen, Giovinazzi and Sainz Jr., and a red flag period. At the first restart, Hamilton overtook Bottas and led the race from there onwards. On lap 42, Ricciardo looked poised for his first podium since the 2018 Monaco Grand Prix when Stroll's Racing Point spun off the track due to a puncture, causing the second red flag of the race. This was the first time since the 2016 Brazilian Grand Prix that there were two red flag periods in one race. At the second restart, Hamilton maintained his lead to win the race. Red Bull's Alexander Albon overtook Ricciardo in the closing laps, earning his first ever podium and the first podium for a Thai driver in Formula One.{{Cite web|title=Hamilton beats Bottas to win crazy Tuscan GP, as Albon secures maiden podium|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-beats-bottas-to-win-crazy-tuscan-gp-as-albon-secures-maiden-podium.6TqXlnjsxf0fZ5q0tubg18.html|access-date=16 September 2020|website=F1|archive-date=13 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913175506/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-beats-bottas-to-win-crazy-tuscan-gp-as-albon-secures-maiden-podium.6TqXlnjsxf0fZ5q0tubg18.html|url-status=live}}

At the Russian Grand Prix, Hamilton started on pole, but two separate five-second penalties for practice starts outside the designated area meant he finished third; teammate Bottas won the Grand Prix with Verstappen in second.{{Cite web|date=27 September 2020|title=Bottas eases to Sochi win over Verstappen as penalty leaves Hamilton P3|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.bottas-eases-to-sochi-win-over-verstappen-as-penalty-leaves-hamilton-p3.4msdj3UrSUS8cyPYpXTzGJ.html|access-date=12 October 2020|website=F1|archive-date=29 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529022516/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.bottas-eases-to-sochi-win-over-verstappen-as-penalty-leaves-hamilton-p3.4msdj3UrSUS8cyPYpXTzGJ.html|url-status=live}}

For the first time since 2013, Formula One returned to the Nürburgring GP-Strecke with the Eifel Grand Prix. Five cars retired in the forms of Russell, Esteban Ocon, Albon, Lando Norris and Bottas, who had started from pole. Hamilton took first place after Bottas locked up into turn 1 on lap 13. Hamilton would go on to win the race, his 7th win this season. Ricciardo claimed his first podium for Renault, finishing the race in third. The race also saw Räikkönen pass the record for most race starts.{{Cite web|date=11 October 2020|title=Hamilton takes record-equalling 91st victory as Ricciardo claims first Renault podium at Eifel GP|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-takes-record-equalling-91st-victory-at-eifel-gp-as-ricciardo-claims.5z1UB37DlpHwKWM9GBM90M.html|access-date=12 October 2020|website=F1|archive-date=1 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101071756/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-takes-record-equalling-91st-victory-at-eifel-gp-as-ricciardo-claims.5z1UB37DlpHwKWM9GBM90M.html|url-status=live}}

At the Portuguese Grand Prix, the first in Portimão, Hamilton took his 92nd win, taking the record for most wins that had been held by Michael Schumacher. Bottas would finish second in the race, twenty-five seconds behind his teammate, with Verstappen finishing third.{{Cite web|date=25 October 2020|title=Hamilton takes record-breaking 92nd win with dominant drive in Portuguese GP|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-takes-record-breaking-92nd-win-with-dominant-drive-in-portuguese-gp.5gTAYvkxPrfqhT8ZYZFRt2.html|access-date=26 October 2020|website=F1|archive-date=4 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204032031/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-takes-record-breaking-92nd-win-with-dominant-drive-in-portuguese-gp.5gTAYvkxPrfqhT8ZYZFRt2.html|url-status=live}}

File:Lewis_Hamilton_2020_Tuscan_Grand_Prix_-_race_day_(cropped).jpg reached 92 career wins by winning the Portuguese Grand Prix, surpassing the record set by Michael Schumacher for most driver wins in Formula One.|230px]]

File:Romain Grosjean2020 Tuscan Grand Prix - race day.jpg's last season, having participated in Formula One since 2009.|230px]]

Formula One returned to the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari for the 27th time, the first since 2006 with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, where Lewis Hamilton won from Valtteri Bottas and Daniel Ricciardo who picked up his second podium of the season. Max Verstappen had a puncture from second, putting him out of the race. Mercedes won their seventh consecutive Constructor World Championship.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-wins-wild-race-in-imola-as-mercedes-clinch-seventh-straight.3B7QIQp1BeTM7SMlKlcoj8.html|title=Hamilton wins wild race in Imola as Mercedes clinch seventh-straight constructors' title|website=F1|date=1 November 2020|access-date=2 November 2020|archive-date=19 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119174919/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-wins-wild-race-in-imola-as-mercedes-clinch-seventh-straight.3B7QIQp1BeTM7SMlKlcoj8.html|url-status=live}}

The Turkish Grand Prix saw Hamilton claim his seventh world title with a race win,{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-seals-historic-7th-title-with-peerless-wet-weather-victory-in.4wK1atemiXDvWXQxOknL4J.html|title=Hamilton seals historic 7th title with peerless wet-weather victory in Turkey|website=F1|date=15 November 2020|access-date=17 November 2020|archive-date=17 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117064210/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-seals-historic-7th-title-with-peerless-wet-weather-victory-in.4wK1atemiXDvWXQxOknL4J.html|url-status=live}} equalling Michael Schumacher's record for the most Formula One world titles. He finished on the podium with Sergio Pérez and Sebastian Vettel, whilst in qualifying, Lance Stroll claimed his maiden pole position in rainy conditions.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.stroll-takes-scintillating-turkish-gp-pole-in-chaotic-rain-hit-qualifying.5WR4u0y0D9oMU3vYxmtFyj.html|title=Stroll takes scintillating Turkish GP pole in dramatic, rain-hit qualifying|website=F1|date=14 November 2020|access-date=17 November 2020|archive-date=17 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117064100/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.stroll-takes-scintillating-turkish-gp-pole-in-chaotic-rain-hit-qualifying.5WR4u0y0D9oMU3vYxmtFyj.html|url-status=live}}

The final two-in-two took place in Sakhir. At the Bahrain Grand Prix, Hamilton claimed his 11th win of the year, followed by Verstappen and Alexander Albon in second and third. The race was marred by a serious accident involving Haas driver Romain Grosjean, who hit a barrier at the start of the race after making contact with the AlphaTauri of Daniil Kvyat. Grosjean's car broke in two and burst into flames as it split the barrier. Numerous safety features allowed him to escape the crash{{Cite web|date=5 December 2020|title=How Romain Grosjean survived the Bahrain GP crash|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/how-romain-grosjean-survived-the-bahrain-gp-crash|access-date=9 December 2020|website=Motor Sport Magazine|archive-date=11 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811002243/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/how-romain-grosjean-survived-the-bahrain-gp-crash|url-status=live}} with only burns to the hands, though they would prove severe enough to exclude him from the remainder of the season, it would be Grosjean's final race with Haas after over 9 years in Formula One.{{Cite web|date=6 December 2020|title=Grosjean ruled out of Abu Dhabi return|url=https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/30460914/grosjean-ruled-abu-dhabi-return|access-date=9 December 2020|website=ESPN.com|archive-date=16 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116202634/https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/30460914/grosjean-ruled-abu-dhabi-return|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=5 December 2020|title=Mercedes would offer Grosjean private test if he misses Abu Dhabi|url=https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/30455325/mercedes-offer-grosjean-private-test-misses-abu-dhabi|access-date=9 December 2020|website=ESPN.com|archive-date=16 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116202632/https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/30455325/mercedes-offer-grosjean-private-test-misses-abu-dhabi|url-status=live}} Pérez surrendered third place after an engine failure, putting him out of the race, whilst teammate Stroll flipped at the restart after contact with Kvyat.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-wins-bahrain-gp-interrupted-by-huge-grosjean-crash-as-perez-suffers.1VOaoGnobv5rik9CwmivVs.html|title=Hamilton wins Bahrain GP interrupted by huge Grosjean crash, as Perez suffers late heartbreak|website=F1|date=29 November 2020|access-date=29 November 2020|archive-date=29 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129173135/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.hamilton-wins-bahrain-gp-interrupted-by-huge-grosjean-crash-as-perez-suffers.1VOaoGnobv5rik9CwmivVs.html|url-status=live}}

The second part of the double was run on the outer circuit. Hamilton was ruled out of the Sakhir Grand Prix after testing positive for the coronavirus and was replaced by Williams' George Russell. Russell impressed by taking the lead from new teammate and pole-sitter Bottas and led for 59 laps, before being taken out of contention by first a tyre mix-up by Mercedes and then a late-race puncture, eventually finishing 9th. Despite being dropped to last position through a lap 1 collision with Leclerc and Verstappen, Pérez took his first race victory, followed by Esteban Ocon taking his first podium finish in 2nd and Stroll finishing 3rd.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.sergio-perez-takes-sensational-maiden-win-in-sakhir-gp-as-tyre-issues-ruin.2TBf7rg5wpgELNALXJLRHV.html|title=Sergio Perez takes sensational maiden win in Sakhir GP as tyre issues ruin Russell's charge|website=F1|date=6 December 2020|access-date=7 December 2020|archive-date=7 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207063434/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.sergio-perez-takes-sensational-maiden-win-in-sakhir-gp-as-tyre-issues-ruin.2TBf7rg5wpgELNALXJLRHV.html|url-status=live}} With his win, Pérez took the record for the most race starts before a first victory, with 190 race starts, beating Mark Webber's record of 130 starts before his win at the 2009 German Grand Prix.{{Cite web|date=7 December 2020|title=Perez breaks Webber's record with 190-race wait for first win|url=https://www.racefans.net/2020/12/07/perez-breaks-webbers-record-with-190-race-wait-for-first-win/|access-date=11 December 2020|website=RaceFans|archive-date=16 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116202635/https://www.racefans.net/2020/12/07/perez-breaks-webbers-record-with-190-race-wait-for-first-win/|url-status=live}}

At the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Hamilton returned for the last race of the season after testing negative for the coronavirus. Verstappen took the pole position and his 10th win in Formula One ahead of Bottas and Hamilton, who finished second and third, respectively. This race was the last for Vettel at Ferrari, after six years, and Pérez at Racing Point, after two years at Racing Point and five at their indirect predecessor, Force India.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.dominant-verstappen-comfortably-holds-off-mercedes-to-seal-victory-in-abu.iUJfe6XZHW1QrnLpFI8JJ.html|title=Dominant Verstappen comfortably holds off Mercedes to seal victory in Abu Dhabi season finale|website=F1|date=13 December 2020|access-date=18 December 2020|archive-date=27 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127141912/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.dominant-verstappen-comfortably-holds-off-mercedes-to-seal-victory-in-abu.iUJfe6XZHW1QrnLpFI8JJ.html|url-status=live}} Ferrari finished sixth in the World Constructors' Championship, their worst championship result since 1980 when they finished tenth.{{Cite web|title=Ferrari|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/ferrari.aspx|access-date=2020-12-14|website=statsf1.com|archive-date=16 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216080111/https://www.statsf1.com/en/ferrari.aspx|url-status=live}}

{{further|List of Formula One World Championship points scoring systems}}

Points were awarded to the top ten classified drivers and the driver who set the fastest lap. The driver with the fastest lap had to be within the top 10 to receive the point. In the case of a tie on points a countback system was used where the driver with the best results is ranked higher, if the best result was identical then the next best result was considered. The points were awarded for every race using the following system:{{Cite web|url=https://www.fia.com/file/78014/download/26183|title=2019 Formula One Sporting Regulations|date=12 March 2019|website=fia.com|pages=3–4, 41|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190313225312/https://www.fia.com/file/78014/download/26183|archive-date=13 March 2019|access-date=27 November 2019}}

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{{F1 driver results legend 7}}

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Notes:

• {{dagger}} – Driver did not finish the Grand Prix, but was classified as he completed more than 90% of the race distance.

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{{F1 driver results legend 7}}

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Notes:

• {{dagger}} – Driver did not finish the Grand Prix, but was classified as he completed more than 90% of the race distance.
• The standings are sorted by best result, rows are not related to the drivers. In case of tie on points, the best positions achieved determined the outcome.

{{portal|Formula One}}

• 2020 Formula One pre-season testing

{{notelist}}

{{reflist}}

• {{official website|https://www.formula1.com/}}

{{Formula One Championship}}

{{World championships in 2020}}

Category:Formula One seasons

FIA Formula 1

Formula One World Championship