The Formula 1 calendar will be changed again in 2021 as the October 1-3 Grand Prix weekend in Singapore has been canceled, the sport announced today.
The decision was taken by the Singapore Grand Prix‘s organizers who cited safety and logistics concerns brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We understand that our fans were looking forward to another edition of the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix,” said Colin Syn, deputy chairman of the Singapore GP. “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.
Read Also: Pandemic Travel Restrictions Lead F1 To Cancel Turkish Grand Prix, Add Extra Austria Race
Latest update on the 2021 #SingaporeGP.#F1NightRace #F1 #Formula1 pic.twitter.com/cyB2f21Isa
— SingaporeGP (@F1NightRace) June 4, 2021
The Singapore Grand Prix follows the Chinese and Turkish Grands Prix, both of which were canceled for the same reasons. Both events, though, were initially planned for early in the season and asked to remain under consideration if an event later in the season was canceled.
Although Formula 1 has not commented specifically on those races, it did say that it would “continue to work with all promoters during this fluid time and have several options for additional races.”
When the Turkish Grand Prix was canceled in mid-May, the sport quickly announced that it would reorganize the calendar to have another double-header in Austria. The format (also used last year to meet F1’s TV contract obligations) meant that the French Grand Prix was pushed forward a week and Austria would host two back-to-back Grand Prix weekends.
Those races are planned for the weekends of June 18-20, June 25-26, and July 2-4. Pirelli has announced that it will bring different tire compounds to the June and July Austrian rounds in order to make the results less predictable.
Tickets for the Singapore Grand Prix had not been released for sale yet, though some 2020 ticket holders had their tickets deferred to the 2021 event. They will be fully refunded, organizers say.
“We are grateful for the support of Singaporeans, stakeholders and local businesses who have helped contribute to the success of the night race,” said Syn. “Needless to say, we look forward to the safe return of Formula 1 racing against the spectacular Marina Bay skyline.”