Yesterday came the long anticipated confirmation that the 2021 Canadian Grand Prix would be cancelled, to be replaced by the Istanbul circuit.
This latest 2021 calendar news means that for the second year in a row the Canadian round of the F1 Championship has been cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Canada maintains strict entry requirements, making access for teams, race control and foreign media logistically impossible.
F1 stated that “due to the ongoing international travel restrictions in place in Canada it became impossible for Formula 1 to enter the country without a mandatory 14 day quarantine”.
“We are grateful for the efforts of the promoter and the authorities in Canada, Quebec and Montreal in the past few weeks to try and make the race happen”.
Tickets for 2021 were not yet on sale but for anyone with a ticket from last year who chose to transfer will now have the option to go in 2022 or to receive a refund.
“We will work with the promoter to ensure those with tickets from 2020 & 2021 races get the options of a refund or to transfer their tickets to next year’s race and look forward to racing in Canada in 2022.”
While China never made it onto this year’s calendar in the first place, Canada is the only event from the original 2021 calendar that has been cancelled. Australia meanwhile was postponed, potentially being held in the latter part of the season.
Standing in for the stricken Montreal race is the Istanbul Park Circuit, making it the second year in succession the Turkish Grand Prix has been drafted in, last appearing in November last year.
The track which hosted the Turkish Grand Prix originally from 2005 to 2011 is a popular one with F1 fans and last year’s chaotic, wet race did nothing to harm it’s reputation.
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I’m Danny, an incurable Formula 1 fan for over 35 years and founder of The F1 Spectator. My aim is to inform and inspire, arming you with helpful tips and advice for your next F1 trip.