F1 to force factories to stay closed longer (Update)

Vasseur predicts F1 factory shutdown to be extended

UPDATE (GMM) The current three-week 'early summer' factory shutdown could be extended, Alfa Romeo boss Frederic Vasseur has admitted.

Even amid Italy's dire coronavirus crisis, Ferrari has reportedly decided to resume work at Maranello on April 14.

But Vasseur says Alfa Romeo, based in Switzerland, may not follow suit.

"Depending on the situation in England, Italy and where we are develops, the current shutdown period could be extended," he admitted to Blick newspaper.

However, he said it isn't the time to prioritize Formula 1 issues.

"The world is not about us," he said. "To say it clearly, we are not particularly useful for society.

"Formula 1 must now remain humble and calm. As long as people are getting sick, it is not the right time for cars to be driving around in circles."

Ferrari is especially hard hit in northern Italy, the epicenter of the virus in Europe

03/29/20 With the Coronavirus not slowing down, but instead accelerating, Formula 1 is rumored to be looking at the possibility of keeping the teams' factories closed for a longer period of time.

Currently they must be closed for at least 21 days in March and/or April – equivalent to the early summer break, but extra weeks may be added because opening them too early threatens further spread of the virus.