Dutch and Spanish Grand Prix organisers in talks with F1 over evolving situation

Following the news that the first four races of the Formula 1 season have been cancelled or postponed, the organisers of the Dutch and Spanish Grands Prix have announced they are in consultation with F1 and the FIA about what the situation means for their events.

The Australian Grand Prix was cancelled on Friday morning, after a member of the McLaren team in Melbourne tested positive for coronavirus. That followed the announcement last month that the Chinese Grand Prix, scheduled for 17th - 19th April, was to be called off.

And later on Friday morning, both the Bahrain Grand Prix, originally set to be held next weekend, and the Vietnam Grand Prix, planned for the 3rd - 5th of April, were postponed in light of the escalating situation with the virus outbreak.

READ MORE: Drivers and teams react to the delayed start of the F1 season

The next two races on the calendar are the Dutch Grand Prix, set for 1st - 3rd May, and the Spanish Grand Prix a week later.

And now organisers of both have announced they are in talks with Formula 1 and the FIA about what the current situation could mean for their races.

Dutch race officials released a statement on Friday that said: "Based on reports from Formula One Management and FIA, we are in joint consultation with them about the possible consequences for the Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix.

"These are not yet fully known, but in the event of possible postponement, all tickets will remain valid. As soon as more news is known, we will share it with all parties involved."

Earlier on Friday, Spanish Grand Prix officials announced all events at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya scheduled to take place up to mid-April would be postponed.

Though that period does not include the planned date of the Grand Prix, they added that they were "already analyzing the different available options with Formula 1" should the current coronavirus situation force a change.

The statement added: "Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will continue monitoring the evolution of the pandemic, staying in permanent contact with the different bodies and health authorities in order to continue implementing the applicable measures and recommendations, ensuring the health and safety of our visitors.

"We are sorry for the inconveniences that these changes may have caused and we offer our apologies to all fans and customers that have been affected by these extraordinary measures."

READ MORE: F1 motorsports boss Ross Brawn explains the process behind the Australian GP cancellation