F1: Japanese GP Cancelled Due To Spike In Covid-19 Cases

The 2021 Japanese Grand Prix has been cancelled in the wake of the rising number of cases, Formula 1 has announced. The race organisers said that the "ongoing complexities" related to the Covid-19 pandemic prompted the cancellation of the round. The Japanese GP was cancelled last year as well when Covid-19 cases had spiked on the island. This year, a decision for the Japanese GP was expected to take place based on how the Olympic Games unfolded in Tokyo. However, with the rising number of cases and quarantine restrictions, Suzuki had to be dropped from the calendar this year.

Also Read: F1: Singapore GP Dropped Due To COVID-19 Restrictions

A statement by F1 read, "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 from locations to host Formula 1 events this year and beyond."

The last Japanese GP was held in 2019 with the 2020 race cancelled due to Covid-19 case as well

The Japanese GP was scheduled to take place in mid-October and the third event was planned between the Russian and Turkish GPs. However, F1 is now said to be looking at Qatar as one of the replacements for Japan.

Also Read: Turkish GP Back On F1 Calendar Replacing Singapore GP

With the latest announcement, Japan joins the growing list of cancelled races as the rounds in Australia, China, Canada and Singapore were dropped due to Covid-19 restrictions. The Turkish GP was initially called off too but later reinstated. The organisers are now working on a revised calendar and will soon announce the same. Meanwhile, the season continues with the Belgian GP scheduled for August 29, 2021.