Formula 1 has confirmed a change to round seven of the 2021 calendar with the Turkish Grand Prix replacing the Canadian Grand Prix the weekend of June 11–13.
Due to the ongoing international travel restrictions in Canada, it became impossible for Formula 1 to enter the country without a mandatory 14-day quarantine, leading to the change.
“We are grateful for the efforts of the promoter and the authorities in Canada, Quebec, and Montreal in the past few weeks to try and make the race happen, and we are pleased to announce a two-year extension to our partnership with the Canadian Grand Prix,” read a statement by Formula 1.
“We will work with the promoter to ensure those with tickets from 2020 and 2021 races get the options of a refund or to transfer their tickets to next year’s race and look forward to racing in Canada in 2022.”
Turkey returns to the calendar after the first event in Istanbul in nine years last November, in which Lewis Hamilton was crowned world champion for a record-equalling seventh time.
“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 Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of Formula 1. “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.”
The Formula 1 community continues to travel this season with the safety measures that allowed travel to 12 countries in 2020. Over 78,000 COVID-19 tests conducted last season had 78 positive results, a rate of 0.1%. So far this season, over 12,000 tests have been conducted with 14 positive cases, again a rate of 0.1%, according to officials.
For more information: formula1.com.