Qatar to the rescue and Jeddah to conclude?

It is ultimately in Saudi Arabia and not in Abu Dhabi that the 2021 world championship could reach its conclusion. A change which would be motivated by the presence of the United Arab Emirates on the British “red list” of countries where the delta variant circulates the most; which means that the staff F1 returning home would be forced into a 10-day quarantine while families prepare for Christmas festivities! A problem which would not arise if the last Grand Prix of the season – scheduled for December 12 – took place on the Jeddah Corniche since Saudi Arabia does not appear on this list (for the moment). For the moment, on the side of the Saudi promoter, we limit ourselves to emphasizing that no contact in this sense has been made, but that Jeddah would respond favorably if F1 felt the need. “We would prefer not to be the last race,” explains a member of the organizing team, “but if it is something that can help Formula 1, then maybe we can discuss it. »

To this change of dates could be added the arrival on the calendar of the Losail international circuit in Qatar to replace the Australian Grand Prix initially scheduled for November 21. The circuit which hosts the opening night race of the season every year MotoGP benefits from Grade 1 FIA which allows it to host the Circus. On paper, this tour of the Middle East would only have advantages unless local politics complicate the discussions - until recently sanctions against Qatar from a number of neighboring states were in place, as well as airspace bans for its airline. If the Qatari option were to fizzle out, F1 could again call on the Kingdom of Bahrain for a second race this season, potentially on the external circuit.

Before that, she will also have had to resolve the difficult Japanese problem. The holding of the Japanese GP will be decided after the end of the Tokyo Olympics (August 8) since the local authorities want to learn lessons from the event before making a decision. If Suzuka is confirmed, no worries, the teams will go directly to the Archipelago. If it is canceled, the stable staff will have to return to England where a 10-day quarantine will await them since Turkey is on the "Red list" British Covid. Not easy, unless F1 pulls out a Grand Prix to replace Japan. However, it benefits from a small margin, because to honor its TV contracts, it must offer a minimum of 20 Grand Prix. That’s three fewer than the 23 planned…