Singapore Grand Prix Cancelled

Formula 1 announce cancellation of this year’s Singapore Grand Prix, as they assess options to replace it. The decision was agreed after discussions with Singapore authorities.

The race, scheduled for the weekend of 1-3 October, is not possible, given the country’s current immigration restrictions. Singapore kept Covid infections low with strict management of the pandemic. They imposed restrictions on people coming in, and implemented a comprehensive test-and-trace system. Authorities in Singapore decided their control measures wouldn’t work with so many people entering the country for such a big event.

F1 say they are working with promoters, and have options to adapt, if necessary. They are considering holding the event in another location as a replacement. Destinations currently in the frame are Turkey, China, or Austin in the USA.

One option up for consideration is a race at Turkey’s Istanbul Park. However, Turkey has had its own issues with the pandemic this year. It was due to host the moved Canadian Grand Prix, but was soon taken off the calendar after a rise of coronavirus cases in the country.

Another possibility is the revival of the Chinese Grand Prix, postponed from its date early this year.

Meanwhile, an appealing option comes from the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, who offer to hold two races there. If the replacement race takes place in America, it is likely to happen the weekend before the US Grand Prix.

Which other races could be affected?

F1 still aim for a full 23 race calendar, but there is still the possibility that others could fall victim to the pandemic too. The Japanese, Brazilian, Mexican and Australian Grand Prixes are all in doubt for different reasons.

There is a rise of Covid cases in Japan, with some areas currently under emergency measures, including the capital Tokyo. Organisers there expect the event to go ahead, but will do a full assessment after the Olympics end.

Brazil and Mexico are among the countries with the highest number of coronavirus cases in the world. However, they are determined to hold their races, and have plans in place to make it Covid safe. The countries will introduce measures to keep F1 personnel away from the local population. Visitors will stay at specific allocated hotels, and travel on communal transport, in order to protect them from the virus.

Australia has a zero-tolerance approach to the pandemic, with heavy restrictions on travel. They will allow vaccinated race personnel into the country, who must stay at quarantine hotels when not at the track. However, issues could arise if anyone tests positive for coronavirus whilst in Melbourne. Measures in place mean that one positive case sends the whole city into lockdown. F1 worry that if an infection is detected, authorities will call off the race, rather than deal with it in the usual sport’s protocols around isolation. They will need reassurance of what will happen in that scenario before committing to travelling to Australia.

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