Formula One has announced that the Turkish Grand Prix will replace Canadian Grand Prix on the 2021 calendar, taking place from 11-13 June.
This decision comes after international travel restrictions in place across Canada made it impossible for F1 to race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal, without undergoing a mandatory 14-day quarantine period.
F1 however has announced an two-year extension to the existing contract with Canadian GP organisers, in which they spoke of how ‘grateful’ they are for the race promoter and local authorities in trying to get the race greenlit to eventually no prevail.
Both F1 and the race promoter have vowed to work to ensure that those who booked tickets for the 2020 and 2021 races will have the option to transfer their tickets to the 2022 race or receive a full refund.
F1 also confirmed that the Turkish Grand Prix has been recalled for a second consecutive season, having made its return last November after an eight season absence which saw Lewis Hamilton clinch his seventh title in a dramatic wet race in Istanbul with victory.
President and CEO of F1, Stefano Domenicali admitted that the reality of not racing in Canada this season is “disappointing”, yet is “excited” to see Turkey return and is hoping that the race can deliver “great battles” following a promising start to this season.
Domenicali also paid tribute to the Canadian GP promoter and Canadian authorities for “all of their efforts” despite the situation eventually proving “impossible” to negotiate in regards to travel restrictions, whilst thanking Turkish GP organisers for stepping in to fill the slot.
Doubts however continue to linger over various races with Japan, US and Brazil amongst those in question, although Domenicali has confirmed that “very good conversations” have taken place with all race promoters and will remain in close contact across coming months.