New Rio de Janeiro Mayor has decided to cancel the proposed F1 track and grand prix, as Jordan King joins Mahindra in Formula E.
After last year’s controversy and ongoing protest from environment-protecting activists, new Rio de Janeiro Mayor, Eduardo Paes, has decided to cancel the proposed race track on the Army ground and thereby not push to host a F1 grand prix there.
Its promoters Rio Motorsports had released a proposed circuit too amid F1’s face-off with the previous leaders of Interlagos F1 race. The idea of the race in Rio received some backlash, considering it was to be built after cutting down trees in the forest area.
While Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton did not directly oppose as he did not have full information but his initial thought was to not cut down trees to build a F1 race track. The decision of Rio not pushing for the race was noted by Environment Secretary, Eduardo Cavaliere.
“Rio is racing for a sustainable future: Camboata Forest shall NOT be supplanted by Rio International Race Track. Under Mayor Eduardo Paes‘ leadership we have OFFICIALLY WITHDREW the construction’s licencing process,” he wrote, tagging Hamilton.
Former F1 racer Lucas de Grassi noted that this was expected as the idea was just for gimmick purposes. Here’s the letter:
É mais um compromisso assumido na campanha do Prefeito @eduardopaes que está sendo cumprido. No que depender da Prefeitura do Rio, o Autódromo Internacional do Rio não será construído na Floresta do Camboatá. pic.twitter.com/FDU7O2ibnW
— Eduardo Cavaliere (@ecavaliere_) February 1, 2021
The future of Brazil GP is seemingly secured – for now – at Interlagos after F1 struck a deal with new promoters. There is a road block, however, with the court wanting to see proper documents of the said deal for transparency purposes.
Jordan King joins Mahindra in Formula E:
Former F2 and IndyCar racer, King, has joined Mahindra in Formula E as its simulator and development driver alongside the already confirmed, Rudy van Buren – with the Dutchman continuing with the Indian outfit for the second season running.
King has tested with few Formula E teams in the past including Mahindra. The British racer may get to drive the car again in the rookie test. Team Principal Dilbagh Gill said: “I am delighted to welcome Jordan to our tribe of Passioneers, and I thoroughly look forward to seeing him work alongside Rudy as they contribute to our team this season.”
Here’s news on F1 Brazil GP new deal in question