The Japanese fans will be entirely disappointed since October's Suzuka race will not take place for a second year in a row due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The race was set as part of a triple-header after the Russian and Turkish GP. "The decision has been taken by the Japanese government to cancel the race this season due to ongoing complexities of the pandemic in the country," a statement from F1 read. Formula One is currently operating under strict health protocols, with teams in 'bubbles' and frequent testing for COVID-19 of all personnel and media.
“Formula 1 is now working on the details of the revised calendar and will announce the final details in the coming weeks. Formula 1 has proven this year, and in 2020, that we can adapt and find solutions to the ongoing uncertainties and is excited by the level of interest from locations to host Formula 1 events this year and beyond.” The statement added.
F1 hopes to run two races in Austin, with the second under the Texas GP name. Although the USA is not a red zone for the UK, matters have been complicated due to the city becoming a COVID hot spot, with hospitals reported to be full.
The Suzuka cancellation comes despite F1 promising to impose special conditions on all personnel travelling to Japan, including compulsory use of charter flights from Istanbul with testing on arrival, travel only between hotels and the circuits with no restaurants or shopping, security in each hotel to ensure that people could not leave, and eating only at the circuit in the evenings.