No American tour for F1 in 2020

While the rest of the calendar Formula 1 2020 has just been revealed with an unprecedented Nürburgring-Portimão-Imola triplet, the promoters of the 4 Grands Prix which were to take place across the Atlantic this season – Canada, United States, Mexico, and Brazil – have confirmed their absence from the program. 

The reason is the health situation linked to the Coronavirus pandemic, which is particularly worrying in this region of the world. Canada may be less affected by Covid-19, but the travel restrictions in force in the country made it difficult to hold an event of the scale of a Formula 1 GP. Not to mention organizing a single round in America was barely financially viable for sports. 

« Although it was difficult and disappointing to face such a conclusion, we must accept it, confided François Dumontier, promoter of the Canadian GP, ​​which was initially scheduled to take place from June 12 to 14 before being initially postponed.  

The health and safety of our employees, volunteers, partners as well as those of our loyal spectators are and will always remain a priority. »

His Mexican counterparts spoke of a “ force majeure " and a " report » to 2021 of one of the most popular races on the calendar since its return in 2015. The Mexican Grand Prix was to be held on November 1, a week after the American round, which was also abandoned.

Officials at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, are talking about the cancellation, calling it “ careful but painful », by its director Bobby Epstein, after a sold-out 2019 edition. “ We had scheduled renowned artists for the concerts which traditionally take place every evening. Pre-sales were up 250% and we were gearing up for the biggest event ever at COTA “, he further clarified. 

Interlagos organizers responded by sharing a photograph of the empty Jose Carlos Pace Autodrome pit lane with the following caption on their official Twitter account. “ Can't wait for these garages to roar with life again ". The Brazilian Grand Prix was scheduled for November 15. 

We don't have to wait until the time of day of the boxes to be the new life of ours  #VaiPassar
Photo: Jose Cordeiro/SPTuris. pic.twitter.com/p8P8EMMqoN

— Interlagos Autodromo (@InterlagosTrack) July 24, 2020