Formula One 2021: Japanese Grand Prix cancelled following surge in COVID cases
Synopsis
The Japanese Grand Prix was supposed to be the 17th race of the Formula One 2021 season. However, the surge in COVID cases in the country has resulted in it getting cancelled.
In what comes as yet another setback for the 2021 Formula One World Championships, the Japanese Grand Prix has been cancelled for the season, citing the surge in COVID cases in the country. Consequently, it has become the fourth race to be cancelled this season, while it was supposed to be the 17th race this year, scheduled to be held on October 10.
"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. Formula 1 has proven this year, and in 2020, that we can adapt and find solutions to the ongoing uncertainties and is excited by the level of interest in locations to host Formula 1 events this year and beyond," said F1 in a release.
Meanwhile, the race's cancellation means an intense setback for the Honda Racing F1 team, as it would be missing out in its final home race in its last season. In the release, Honda's Brand and Communication Operations chief officer, Koji Watanabe, said that it was unfortunate to be unable to host the race for the second consecutive year. He added that the entire Honda team is disappointed for not giving the fans the chance to bid the team the final farewell in its last F1 project.
As of now, 11 races have been held, with 11 more scheduled to go. The next race happens to be the Belgian GP, slated to be held on August 29. The other races that have been cancelled so far are Canadian GP, Singapore GP and Australian GP, while the Chinese GP has been postponed.
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