Formula 1 - 2021 Japanese Grand Prix cancelled due to 'ongoing complexities' caused by coronavirus pandemic

ByHarry Latham Coyle

Updated 18/08/2021 at 08:44 GMT

The event was due to be held in mid-October as part of a planned triple header with the Russian Grand Prix and Turkish Grand Prix. Despite hosting the Olympics and Paralympics this summer, cases have exploded in Japan in recent weeks and the government has opted not to hold the race at the Suzuka circuit.

The 2021 Japanese Grand Prix has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Formula 1 confirmed that the event, scheduled for mid-October at the Suzuka circuit, will not go ahead amid growing case numbers in Japan.

Race organisers cited "ongoing complexities" as the race was cancelled for a second successive year.

Bahrain Grand Prix

Hamilton describes shock Ferrari move as 'hardest decision I've ever had to make'

23/02/2024 at 15:35

• Hamilton says booing gives him motivation
• Spectators banned from Paralympics as cases rise in Japan
• Hayward: Farewell, Tokyo 2020 - you were a Games truly unlike any other

"Following ongoing discussions with the promoter and authorities in Japan the decision has been taken by the Japanese government to cancel the race this season due to ongoing complexities of the pandemic in the country," a statement from Formula 1 said.

Formula 1 is now working on the details of the revised calendar and will announce the final details in the coming weeks.

"Formula 1 has proven this year, and in 2020, that we can adapt and find solutions to the ongoing uncertainties and is excited by the level of interest in locations to host Formula 1 events this year and beyond."

It had been intended that the race in Japan would finish a three-week triple header after races in Russia and Turkey.

The Turkish Grand Prix had been rescheduled to take the place of the cancelled Singapore Grand Prix.

'We got this done so early!' - Hamilton and Wolffe delighted with new contract

The Japanese Grand Prix would have been the 17th race of the 2021 Formula 1 World Championship season.

Coronavirus cases in Japan continue to rise amid a summer explosion, with a senior adviser warning that the country is in a "disaster" situation.

"If infections continue to surge at the current pace, we won't be able to save lives that could otherwise be saved," said Shigeru Omi, who advises the government on the pandemic.

"This is already happening. The situation is like a disaster."

Japanese figureheads have ruled out any connection between the spike in cases and the recent Tokyo Olympics, but the news will continue to cause concern with the Paralympics due to start on 24 August.

The next Grand Prix is at the famous Spa circuit in Belgium, with the race on 29 August.

Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton currently leads the Drivers' Championship by eight points from Max Verstappen of Red Bull.

Formula 1

Verstappen says Hamilton could face 'awkward, weird' last season with Mercedes

15/02/2024 at 23:54

Season 2024

'Emotional' Hamilton determined for success ahead of Ferrari move as Mercedes launch new car

14/02/2024 at 17:32

Formula 1

Alonso: Hamilton's switch to Ferrari can bring 'extra to fight for championship'

12/02/2024 at 13:27