Turkey replaces cancelled Canadian GP on 2021 F1 calendar
The event, which was due to take place on 13 June, had been in doubt for some time as a result of Canada’s strict COVID-19 restrictions and quarantine measures for arrivals into the country.
Given that the race had been set to form a back-to-back flyaway double-header following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, it would have been impossible for F1 personnel to undergo the required 14-day isolation period in time for the Baku race.
Turkey has been confirmed by F1 as its replacement.
Istanbul Park stepped in at short notice to hold the 14th round of the rewritten 17-round 2020 F1 season in November last year.
“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," said F1 CEO and president Stefano Domenicali. "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.
“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.
"We have had very good conversations will all the other promoters since the start of the year and continue to work closely with them during this period.”
A number of reports in Canadian media in recent weeks had claimed the race was set to be cancelled but official confirmation of the decision was only announced on Wednesday ahead of this weekend’s Portuguese Grand Prix.
It marks the second time in two years that the Canadian GP has fallen victim to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the last F1 race taking place in Montreal in 2019.
The announcement of the Canadian GP’s cancellation was followed with some good news for the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, which has agreed an extension with F1 to continue hosting the race until 2031.
Canada’s current deal was due to expire at the end of the 2029 F1 season.
| Updated 2021 Formula 1 Race Calendar | |
| Race | Date |
| Bahrain GP (Sakhir) | March 28 |
| Emilia Romagna GP (Imola) | April 18 |
| Portuguese GP (Portimao) | May 2 |
| Spanish GP (Barcelona) | May 9 |
| Monaco GP (Monte Carlo) | May 23 |
| Azerbaijan GP (Baku) | June 6 |
| Turkish GP (Istanbul) | June 13 |
| French GP (Paul Ricard) | June 27 |
| Austrian GP (Spielberg) | July 4 |
| British GP (Silverstone) | July 18 |
| Hungarian GP (Budapest) | August 1 |
| Belgian GP (Spa) | August 29 |
| Dutch GP (Zandvoort) | September 5 |
| Italian GP (Monza) | September 12 |
| Russian GP (Sochi) | September 26 |
| Singapore GP (Marina Bay) | October 3 |
| Japanese GP (Suzuka) | October 10 |
| United States GP (Austin) | October 24 |
| Mexican GP (Mexico City) | October 31 |
| Sao Paulo GP (Interlagos) | November 7 |
| Australian GP (Melbourne) | November 21 |
| Saudi Arabian GP (Jeddah) | December 5 |
| Abu Dhabi GP (Yas Marina) | December 12 |
