The 2021 Japanese Grand Prix has been cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus situation in the country. The Suzuka race was set for October 10th, following the successful staging of the Olympic Games in Tokyo, but will now not take place following discussions with Formula One and the Japanese Government.
It is therefore the second year in a row that the race has not taken place because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The cancellation leaves the Formula 1 calendar facing a further reshuffle after races in Australia, China, Canada and Singapore were all called off this season. The Turkish Grand Prix was initially cancelled but later reinstated.
During the last few weeks, the possibility of a second race in the USA has been mentioned as a replacement for the Japanese Grand Prix this year. Austin could manage to host two race weekends in a row, however the Covid-19 situation in Texas is becoming more serious.
Qatar could become the replacement Grand Prix for the cancelled Australian GP. As of now, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi are on UK’s “amber” list, but a lot can change in the next few weeks. In one direction or the other. That’s why rescheduling the second part of the 2021 Formula 1 season will be very complicated.
Some in the paddock are bringing up Indianapolis as a venue for the second race in the USA. But with Turkey still on UK’s red list and the required quarantine, there would probably not be enough time.
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