Formula One: Japanese Grand Prix cancelled over covid-19 surge

The Japanese Grand Prix, which was planned for 8^th to 10th October, has been cancelled, organizers saying the decision was reached because of a rise in Covid cases in the country.

“The decision has been taken by the Japanese government to cancel the race this season due to ongoing complexities of the pandemic,” said Formula 1 in a statement.

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

Japan was due to be the 17th of 23 rounds in this season’s circuit.

This season’s Australia, China, Canada and Singapore legs were called off but the Turkish Grand Prix was reinstated despite being initially cancelled.

“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 is the second year in a row that the Japan race has not taken place because of the Covid-19 pandemic, while the 2019 edition was disrupted by Typhoon Hagibis.

Japan hosted the season’s final race six times in the late 1990s and early 2000s; however the 2021 calendar will conclude with the first Saudi Arabia Grand Prix on 5th December followed by the finale in Abu Dhabi a week later.

The next leg of the F1 action will take place during the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa on 29th August.

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton is current leader, holding a narrow eight-point lead over Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in the driver standings.