F1 Set to Remove Turkish Grand Prix From the 2021 Racing Calendar
Follow Us
The much-feared COVID-19 is starting to meddle with F1, yet again, after the sport enjoying a peaceful couple of months. It all started with Montreal opting out of the racing calendar after Canada announced a nationwide lockdown and closing down the borders.
And the only replacement F1 had was the Turkish Grand Prix, which managed to deliver quite a dramatic race last season. Hence, within days after the Canada disappointment, confirmation arrived that Istanbul Park would be taking over Montreal’s spot, hosting the Grand Prix between June 11 and 13.
However, now, there could be another bad news for the fans. Reports have claimed that Formula 1 will be canceling the Turkish Grand Prix as well, leaving a void over the weekend. Reason?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
A falta de confirmación oficial, el GP de Turquía cae del calendario 2021 de F1 sin sustituto.
El mundial queda en 22 carreras. #TurkishGP #F1
— Noemí de Miguel (@Noemidemiguel) May 11, 2021
Well, the United Kingdom recently placed Turkey under the ‘red list‘. And since most of the F1 teams are headquartered in and around the UK, this announcement will restrict a large amount of F1 crews from stepping into the nation after the race weekend in the Middle-East country, at least without quarantining.
Hence, this might affect the plans and functionality of the teams like Aston Martin, McLaren, Haas, Williams, and others. Consequently, this may have forced F1 to remove Turkey from the calendar. And the official announcement could arrive anytime soon.
Moreover, this isn’t the only sports event that could be making its way out of Turkey. The Champions League final could also be moved out of Turkey, with the UK most likely hosting it.
Will F1 replace Turkey?
As things stand, Formula 1 is allegedly looking to cancel the weekend altogether, therefore, putting an end to the thoughts of replacement. This decision is quite reasonable considering the time crunch that the sport is facing.
With less than a month from the race, it could be a herculean task for the sport to arrange a different Grand Prix, keeping in mind the COVID-19 norms of each and every country.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
Fernando Alonso Delivers His Message to George Russell Following Ballistic Rant on Radio By the Mercedes Driver
March 24, 2024 10:17 AM EDT
F1 Rumor: Christian Horner Plans to Seize Full Control of Red Bull Empire With Drinks & Racing; Position ‘Strengthened’ by the Stakeholders
March 28, 2024 01:08 PM EDT
Sebastian Vettel Reveals Texting Lewis Hamilton Directly After His ‘Surprising’ Ferrari Announcement
March 28, 2024 01:17 PM EDT
Fernando Alonso Offered “Lucrative Multi-Year Contract” by Aston Martin After Christian Horner’s ‘Big Intentions’ to Sign Him
March 28, 2024 10:36 AM EDT
“You Are Disgusting”: Ex-GF Isa Hernaez’s ‘Vengeful’ Update Leaves Fans Pointing Fingers at Carlos Sainz
October 28, 2023 10:12 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
There is also a rumor that F1 might reschedule the Azerbaijan Grand Prix into the weekend initially allotted for Turkey.
However, the concern is that there is a wide array of uncertainty over when the UK will be lifting the travel ban over Turkey. Hence, F1 will be hesitant to shuffle the race calendar at the last moment.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
This ultimately leaves F1 with one difficult choice – removing Turkey from this season, and bringing the number of races down to 22, which will halt the record for the largest F1 season calendar.