Home F1 Japanese GP cancels 2021 event as F1 works on revised calendar

Japanese GP, F1 — SUZUKA, JAPAN - OCTOBER 13: Lando Norris of Great Britain driving the (4) McLaren F1 Team MCL34 Renault leads Alexander Albon of Thailand driving the (23) Aston Martin Red Bull Racing RB15 on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka Circuit on October 13, 2019 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI201910130336 // Usage for editorial use only //

Japanese GP cancels 2021 event as F1 works on revised calendar

18/08/2021

The promoters of the Japanese GP has decided to cancel its 2021 event as well amid rise in cases, as F1 is working on a revised calendar.

After a relatively successful Olympics in Japan, it looked like Suzuka could end up hosting the Japanese GP as well for the 2021 F1 season. But in recent times, the reports started to suggest otherwise, especially due to the rise in cases of COVID-19.

And amid that news, Japanese GP officially cancelled its 2021 event, as well, after the decision from the Government. It is for the second time that the Suzuka race will not happen, which means, there will be no farewell grand prix for Honda either.

Honda is to leave F1 at the end of the 2021 season in official capacity, while Red Bull will continue using its power unit. The Japanese GP was to take place on October 8-10 weekend, as the third race in the triple-header, having Russia and Turkey.

In fact, it was to follow Singapore, but the organisers already cancelled it a month back, wherein F1 replaced it with Turkey. With no Japan, it kind of helps in one less triple-header, unless Liberty Media replaces it with another race or doubles an existing event.

The second half has seen three cancellations with Australia, Singapore and Japan, while recently, the Sao Paulo Governor indicated that the Brazil race is on. For now, the races in United States and Mexico seems to be on too, with no fresh updates.

The statement regarding the cancellation of Japanese GP, states: “Following ongoing discussions with the promoter and authorities in Japan the decision has been taken by the Japanese Government to cancel the race this season due to ongoing complexities of the pandemic in the country.

“Formula 1 is now working on the details of the revised calendar and will announce the final details in the coming weeks. Formula 1 has proven this year, and in 2020, that we can adapt and find solutions to the ongoing uncertainties and is excited by the level of interest from locations to host Formula 1 events this year and beyond.”

Here’s latest on Brazil GP