2021 Singapore Grand Prix officially canceled

For the 2nd year in a row, the Formula 1 will not perform in the streets of Singapore, again for health reasons.  

After the revelations of la with the BBC, AUTOhebdo has received confirmation of the cancellation of the GP scheduled in the city-state from October 1 to 3, 2021, between the GPs of Russia and Japan.  

Contacted by us, Liberty Media did not wish to comment on the situation. However, a spokesperson told us that F1 “ continues to work with all promoters during this changing period and has many options to adapt if necessary ».

Among these fallback solutions is China, whose race is usually held in April. The Shanghai meeting was canceled in 2020 then postponed indefinitely this season, again due to the pandemic context.  

Turkey, which successfully returned to the calendar in 2020 and was to replace the Canadian GP in the wake of the Baku (Azerbaijan) event before being canceled, is also in the running. 

Finally, a second race could take place on the Circuit of the Americas in Austin (Texas) which is due to host F2 from October 1 to 22. 

After Montreal, Singapore is therefore the 2nd event canceled in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The continuation of other rounds planned for the 2nd half of the season appears uncertain to say the least. 

We think in particular of Japan, Mexico, Brazil, and even Australia. However, the reasons vary from country to country.

For Suzuka and Melbourne, the blockage would come from drastic travel restrictions imposed on people coming from abroad to control the epidemic. For Mexico City and São Paulo, on the other hand, it would rather be the heavy toll of the pandemic which could push F1 to give up, the promoters being entirely willing to organize a Grand Prix. 

After a relatively clear start to the season, it seemed inevitable that the record 23-date calendar would undergo upheavals as the health reality imposed itself on F1 officials. 

UPDATE : The promoters of the Singapore Grand Prix officially confirmed the cancellation of the 2021 edition in a press release sent this Friday. 

« We know our fans were looking forward to a new edition of the Singapore Grand Prix, said Mr Colin Syn, Deputy Director of Singapore GP Pte Ltd. Canceling the event for a second consecutive year is an incredibly difficult decision, but it is necessary due to the restrictions in force in Singapore regarding large events with the public.

In view of an unpredictable and constantly evolving global health situation, it has become increasingly difficult to welcome thousands of local spectators or spectators from abroad to an event which brings together multiple activities. 

We would not be able to offer the experience people are accustomed to while ensuring the safety of fans, our teams, our volunteers, and our partners. We must take our responsibilities and opt for caution, the health of all remaining our number 1 priority. ». 

Ms Ong Ling Lee, the director in charge of sports at the Singapore Tourism Council, specifies that the city-state is in discussions with F1 “ to find an outcome favorable to both parties » after this new cancellation. The example of the Canadian Grand Prix, canceled for the second time in a row earlier this season, suggests the possibility of an extension of the current contract by one year to compensate for this new absence from the F2 calendar. 

Ticket holders for the 2020 edition, who could have come in 2021, will be fully refunded.