F1: Turkey In, Canada Out in Calendar Change

The 2021 Canadian Grand Prix, initially scheduled to take place on the 11-13 June, will no longer take place, as Formula One confirms that Istanbul will once again make a guest appearance under the guise of the Turkish Grand Prix on the same weekend.

It is the second year in a row the Canadian Grand Prix will not take place with concerns over Coronavirus once again a pressing issue. The cancelation will disappointing for the championships two native drivers Lance Stroll and Nicholas Latifi, the latter of which is yet to race in his home country in F1.

Istanbul Park, which will host the Turkish GP on the same weekend was the home to Lewis Hamilton’s seventh title winning drive last year in a race that saw Stroll take his maiden Pole Position amid torrential downpours during the race.

“While it is disappointing we cannot be in Canada this season we are excited to confirm that Turkey will host a Grand Prix in 2021 after an amazing race last season. I know all our fans are excited by the dramatic start to the season and Turkey is a great circuit that delivers great battles on the track.”

It was reported by CBS Canada that there have been ongoing disagreements between local and provincial public health officials over the status of the event and whether it could be formalised. Today’s announcement confirms that a settlement could not be reached over COVID-19 concerns in the area.

Despite a recent slight dip, Canada has once again been experiencing a severe third wave of COVID cases, with the country having recently surpassed 1 million active cases in a country of 38 million people.

“I want to thank the promoter and authorities in Canada for all of their efforts in recent weeks but the travel situation made our plans impossible. I equally want to thank the promoter and authorities in Turkey for their ongoing willingness to host a Formula 1 race that shows the huge interest in our sport and the hope from many locations to have a Grand Prix.”

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1

The rescheduling will also reduce travelling for the F1 circus, who will race at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix the week before, only 2200km in a route that can be completed without flying.

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