Race dates continue to fall at motorsport’s top circuit, after Formula 1 cancelled the 2021 Singapore Grand Prix for the second year in a row amid to COVID-19 pandemic.
Singapore GP was scheduled to take place on October 3, between the Russian and Japanese GPs. The current schedule has a two-week window between the October 10 race in Japan and October 24 in Austin. After the Texas race, F1 will travel to Mexico City the following week.
“We understand that our fans were looking forward to another edition of the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix. To cancel the event for a second year is an incredibly difficult decision, but a necessary one in light of the prevailing restrictions for live events in Singapore,” deputy chairman of Singapore GP Colin Syn said.
“We are grateful for the support of Singaporeans, stakeholders and local businesses who have helped contribute to the success of the night race. Needless to say, we look forward to the safe return of Formula 1 racing against the spectacular Marina Bay skyline.” Syn added.
Singapore has relied on severe restrictions on entry and contact tracing in its attempt to keep the number of infections low during the pandemic.
Thousands of F1 fans around the world are waiting for refunds for Singapore GP which cancelled up to 18 months ago due to COVID-19. However, Syn insisted ticket holders who deferred their 2020 tickets to the 2021 race will be fully refunded.
The COVID-19 pandemic in advance has caused several changes to the 2021 calendar. The first race of the season in Australia was postponed from March to November and the Canadian GP scheduled for June 1 was cancelled. Two other races in China and Turkey were postponed indefinitely, with the risk of not being run definitively.
Focus now turns to this weekend’s Azerbaijan GP, which has already been confirmed to run behind closed doors.
