The 2021 Canadian Grand Prix will not take place and has been replaced by a weekend in Istanbul, Turkey, but now it seems that the Grand Prix may not take place there either. The government of the United Kingdom has put the country on the red travel list which means that travellers from Turkey have to spend ten days in quarantine when they return home.
In fact, there is already a negative travel advice in place. The British transport minister Grant Schapps said Friday that countries on the red list ‘should not be visited except in the most extreme circumstances’. Corona infections have risen sharply in Turkey in the past week.
Formula 1 reacts
Formula 1 is aware of the decision and is reviewing its options. A Formula One spokesman said in a statement, “We are aware of the UK government’s announcement regarding travel restrictions for Turkey and are assessing the situation and will provide more details in the coming days.” So for now, it’s just a case of wait and see.
The weekend in Turkey will take place from 11-13 June. This will be followed by a week of rest before travelling to France and Austria respectively for a double-header. With an obligatory quarantine that is almost impossible, especially considering the fact that all cargo from Turkey has to be shipped back to Western Europe.
What options does Formula 1 have?
Possibly the Nurburgring, but there are also other options. There could be a race at Paul Ricard a week before the French GP, or the French GP could be brought forward a week and a second weekend could be held at the Red Bull Ring.
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