Singapore Grand Prix has now been abandoned for the second year in a row owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. The competition, which was slated for October 1-3, has been cancelled due to Singapore’s tight limitations on admitting international visitors. Formula One is presently considering additional options in order to maintain a 23-race schedule. The Turkish Grand Prix has previously been cancelled due to an increase in COVID cases.
Formula One is exploring China, the second race in Austin, Texas, and Turkey as possibilities for the October 1-3 slot. A Formula 1 official told the BBC that throughout such a fluid moment, they would continue to communicate with all promoters and have lots of options to adjust if needed.
While Singapore falls under the list of the nations that have managed to suppress the pandemic through vaccination rates, the Singapore Grand Prix had to be called off for the year due to ongoing restrictions on immigration and a rigorous test and trace system. According to the BBC, Singapore police believe the security measures in place are insufficient to host a race with thousands of spectators expected to attend.
The most likely option is to hold the race in Istanbul. The event, however, was cancelled because of an increase in COVID-19 infections in the country. China, which also cancelled owing to migration restrictions, could be another option. If the other two nations are unable to host the event, Austin may be given two races in a row. The United States Grand Prix will be held in Austin from October 22 to 24. If it goes forward, the first race will be held on October 15-17, followed by the US Grand Prix on October 15-17.
The race has been cancelled in a number of countries, including Singapore. Due to the pandemic and travel prohibition, the remaining races on the calendar, the Japanese, Brazilian, Mexican, and Australian GPs, may also be cancelled.
The event in Suzuka, Japan, is in particular jeopardy. The country is currently engulfed in a fourth wave. The race is set for October 8-10, and the organizers expect it to take place but will decide after the Tokyo Olympics in July. Likewise, COVID-19 instances are on the rise in Mexico and Brazil, which could rule the races out, with Europe as the most likely destination.
