Japanese Grand Prix cancelled

Published on 18 August 2021 by Julien Lemmen

Formula 1 has announced that the 2021 Japanese Grand Prix has been cancelled, with race organisers citing "ongoing complexities" related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The race, which was also cancelled last year because of the coronavirus situation, was due to be held on the 10th of October, the third event in a planned triple header after the Russian Grand Prix and the rescheduled Turkish GP. But on Wednesday morning it was announced the race at the Suzuka circuit would not be going ahead. A statement from Formula 1 read: "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."

The Singapore Grand Prix and the Australian Grand Prix had already been cancelled, while the races in Turkey, Mexico and Brazil could be in risk, because these countries are all currently on the United Kingdom red list. A second race in the United States or Bahrain would be possible replacements, while Qatar is one of the new events on standby.