F1 “continuing discussions” with Canadian GP despite cancellation reports

Formula 1 says it is “continuing discussions” with Canadian Grand Prix promoters amid reports the race has been cancelled.

On Thursday, Radio-Canada reported a decision has already been taken to cancel the Canadian Grand Prix - scheduled for 13 June - for the second year running due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

This year’s Montreal race is a major doubt with concerns over the COVID-19 situation in the country, with reports claiming that public health authorities have “concluded that even behind closed doors without spectators, the risk of spreading COVID-19 during the Formula 1 event is too high.”

It is understood that F1 officials hoped to bypass the current mandatory 14-day quarantine rules in place for international arrivals in Quebec.

If F1 was not given an exemption from the travel restrictions, it would be impossible to complete the mandatory quarantine period with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku taking place one week before Canada is due to host the seventh round of the 2021 season.

When reached for comment on the situation, an F1 spokesperson told Crash.net: “We are continuing our discussions with the promoter in Canada and have no further comment.”

There have been suggestions that Turkey could return to the F1 calendar to substitute for Canada in the event of the race being cancelled.

Istanbul Park held the Turkish Grand Prix for the first time since 2011 as part of the revised 2020 schedule last season.

This weekend’s second round of the season, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, is taking place behind closed doors at Imola, though F1 is planning to allow fans for upcoming races in Portugal, Spain and Monaco.

Baku has already confirmed that this year’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be staged without spectators as it returns to the calendar for the first time since 2019.