F1 bosses want spectators to return for Monza Grand Prix in September

Spectators could return to Formula One as soon as the Italian Grand Prix on September 6.

The sport’s bosses are looking at Monza — with its wide, enclosed royal park — as the first race to make the leap back to normality.

Sportsmail understands if fans are allowed in, the reduced numbers would be instructed to wear face masks and abide by social distancing rules.

F1 bosses want fans to return for the Monza Grand Prix with social distancing rules in place

Last week’s Austrian Grand Prix was behind closed doors as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic

Two new races have been added to the calendar — the Tuscan Grand Prix in Mugello on September 13 and the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi on September 27, also with fans. In all, at least 15 races are planned.

Bosses are buoyed by Covid test results here in Spielberg where some 9,000 swabs have been tested, all of them negative.

In practice on Friday, Lewis Hamilton struggled with the handling of his Mercedes and was only sixth fastest. 

F1 bosses have been buoyed by the return of 9,000 negative COVID-19 tests in Spielberg

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was quickest for Red Bull. Hamilton’s team-mate, Valtteri Bottas, who won at the same venue last weekend, was second best.

All eyes will again be on Hamilton ahead of the race to see what anti-racism statement he makes. Organisers are doing away with the carpet on the grid, where the drivers congregated last Sunday, and are leaving it to individuals to make any statement.

Hamilton has ruled out taking a knee during the national anthem but may strike a pose by his car and possibly joined by his team.