Formula One has confirmed that Singapore Grand Prix for the 2021 season has been cancelled due to logistical and safety concerns due to COVID-19. The race was scheduled to take place on October 1-3, but F1 has decided to not go ahead with the race at Marina Bay Street Circuit. This is the second consecutive year for Singapore GP not taking place due to the pandemic.
Singapore GP organisers remain in talks with Formula One regarding a beneficial solution for all parties. The government protocols regarding live events amidst the pandemic have forced Formula 1 to take the step of cancelling the event.
Earlier this season, Formula 1 had moved Australian GP and Chinese GP for similar reasons. The Australian GP is generally the curtain-raiser for the season. However, the pandemic had become severe in Australia at the start of the season, F1 decided to move Australian GP to a later date in the season.
The cancellation of Singapore GP does have a tremendous impact on the organisers and stakeholders of the event. The broadcast revenue gets affected for the event. Even though spectators wouldn’t have been allowed at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, there would have been some sort of financial respite for organisers of Singapore GP if the race event had gone ahead. Colin Syn, Deputy Chairman of Singapore GP, expressed disappointment about the cancellation of the event but insisted that the situation demands such a difficult decision.
“We understand that our fans were looking forward to another edition of Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix. To cancel the event for a second year is an incredibly difficult decision, but a necessary one in the light of the prevailing restrictions for live events in Singapore.”
Ahead of the Azerbaijan GP this weekend, Red Bull Racing Honda’s Max Verstappen is leading the driver’s table with a lead of one point over defending champions Lewis Hamilton. Red Bull Racing Honda is also leading constructor standings.