Canadian GP Has Been Canceled Twice In A Row, Turkey Became A Replacement

F1 illustration (Twitter @ F1)

JAKARTA - The Canadian Formula 1 Grand Prix, scheduled for June 13 in Montreal, was officially canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In exchange, Turkey will occupy that slot in the 2021 season calendar.

"Due to health measures being put in place to combat COVID-19, the Canadian Grand Prix has been canceled for the second year in a row", said a statement by the Canadian authorities.

"The event will return next year, however", and an agreement has been reached between the organizers and the Canadian and Quebec governments to extend the event for two years through 2023.

We'll miss seeing you this year @F1GPCanada!

But we'll see you soon, for more racing and exciting moments like this from our last visit to Montreal in 2019 👊 #CanadianGP 🇨🇦 #F1 pic.twitter.com/EaLmpMiZ4o

- Formula 1 (@F1) April 28, 2021

F1 authorities in a brief official statement said the international travel restrictions imposed in Canada made it impossible for anyone involved in racing to enter the country without undergoing a 14-day quarantine.

In exchange, Turkey will host the seventh race on the calendar from June 11-13, one week after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

"I would like to thank the Canadian promoters and authorities for all their efforts in the last few weeks but the travel situation made our plans impossible", said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.

"I also want to thank the promoters and authorities in Turkey for their willingness to host Formula 1 races".

The decision ends with several weeks of uncertainty over whether the hundreds of staff who have to fly from abroad can stage races in Canada.

A new polesitter, new leader, drama, rain, intrigue, and that was just the first corner! 😅Our return to Turkey is much anticipated 👀 #TurkishGP 🇹🇷 #F1 pic.twitter.com/MY9gltg2oK

- Formula 1 (@F1) April 28, 2021

The Quebec and Canadian authorities discussed the possibility of holding races behind closed doors or providing quarantine dispensations.

After being regularly held from 2005-2011, the Turkish Grand Prix at Istanbul Park, last year also re-entered the calendar and saw Lewis Hamilton lock up the world title for the seventh time in his career.