The 2021 Japanese Grand Prix has been cancelled after a decision for the event to not go ahead was made by the Japanese Government. Rising COVID-19 cases are primarily the reason for the cancellation of the event.
Formula One released a statement confirming the cancellation.
“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.”
The statement continued with Formula One stating their ability to adapt to circumstances such as event cancellations after a difficult 2020 season.
“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 from locations to host Formula 1 events this year and beyond.”
Japan hosted the Summer Olympics in July and August and will soon host the Summer Paralympics at the end of August and into early September.
The race was meant to be part of a doubleheader with Turkey, but this cancellation may just prompt a calendar reshuffle as Formula One attempts to run as many events as they can, while maintaining the safety of everyone involved.
The event cancellation will be disappointing for Red Bull and Alpha Tauri engine manufacturer Honda, who are Japanese based and this race would have been their last in their current stint in Formula One.
“As Honda, we are particularly disappointed, because this is the final year of our Formula 1 project and we know that so many fans were looking forward to attending the event.
“The 2021 season is now heading for an exciting climax and we will be giving our all, fighting hard all the way to achieve our goal of winning the championships as this Honda Formula 1 project comes to an end and we hope our fans will continue to support us.”
According to reports, Qatar is being line-up as a potential replacement for Japan. The Middle East country will host the FIFA World Cup in 2022 but the temperature may prove a problem if it was to host a Formula One race.
A second race in Bahrain is also rumoured to be on the cards, with potentially up to four races in the Middle East close to the end of the season.