F1 has confirmed the cancellation of Canada for second year in a row, as Turkey will replace the event on the 2021 calendar.
The news about the cancellation of the 2021 Canadian GP had been doing rounds for some time now, with speculations of Turkey replacing it also surfacing. Both has been now officially confirmed by F1, with Turkish GP returning after cancellation of Canada.
The premier reason for the Canadian GP to be cancelled for the second year in a row, is due to its 14 day quarantine policy. The promoters and organisers tried to resolve the issue, but couldn’t do so, as they were left with no other option but to cancel.
The event has got an extension already by two years, as F1 together with the organsiers, will now ensure refunds of both the cancelled races. The race in Turkey will be held on June 11-13 now, as it is back on the calendar after its return in 2020.
In addition to the Turkey news, F1 added some more information on its travel and vaccination plans: “The Formula 1 community will continue to travel this season with stringent safety measures that allowed us to travel safely to 12 countries and deliver 17 races 2020. The measures have proven to be highly effective with over 78,000 COVID-19 tests conducted last season with only 78 positive results, a rate of 0.1%.
“So far this season we have conducted over 12,000 tests with 14 positive cases again a rate of 0.1%, this is alongside the vaccines that a number of teams have already received and the good rollout of the vaccine in the UK where seven of the ten teams are based. We will continue to operate in a way that protects the safety of our personnel and the communities we visit.”
Upon the announcement, Stefano Domenicali, said: “While it is disappointing we cannot be in Canada this season we are excited to confirm that Turkey will host a Grand Prix in 2021 after an amazing race last season. I know all our fans are excited by the dramatic start to the season and Turkey is a great circuit that delivers great battles on the track.
“I want to thank the promoter and authorities in Canada for all of their efforts in recent weeks but the travel situation made our plans impossible. I equally want to thank the promoter and authorities in Turkey for their ongoing willingness to host a Formula 1 race that shows the huge interest in our sport and the hope from many locations to have a Grand Prix. We have had very good conversations will all the other promoters since the start of the year and continue to work closely with them during this period.”
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