F1 cancels trio of Formula One races

This year’s Formula One Grand Prix races in Azerbaijan, Singapore and Japan have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers said on Friday.

Formula One had already cancelled four other races, including the showcase Monaco Grand Prix in May, and published a revised and shortened provisional schedule due to start in Austria on July 5.

“As a result of the ongoing challenges presented by COVID -19, we and our promoters in Azerbaijan, Singapore and Japan have taken the decision to cancel their races for the 2020 season,” Formula One said in a statement.

The long lead times required to construct the Singapore and Azerbaijan street circuits made hosting those events impossible, it added.

Singapore Grand Prix organizers said “prohibitions imposed on access and construction of the event venue” had forced the cancellation of the spectacular night race.

“Apart from the closure of the event venue, other challenges include ongoing mass gathering and worldwide travel restrictions,” they added.

In its statement, F1 said: “We have made significant progress with existing and new promoters on the revised calendar and have been particularly encouraged by the interest that has been shown by new venues in hosting a Formula One race during the 2020 season.”

A second race in Italy has been floated for Ferrari-owned Mugello or Imola, once home of the San Marino Grand Prix, while Germany’s Hockenheim and Portugal’s Algarve circuit in Portimao are other possibilities.

Sochi in Russia could hold two races.