Cancellation of Japanese Grand Prix means no Formula 1 races in east Asia in 2021

Formula One has advised of the cancellation of the Japanese F1 Grand Prix for the second successive year as a result of the Japanese Government feeling the nation cannot stage the race as it battles a rising number of Coronavirus cases.

Despite Japan having staged the Olympics and being about to hold the 2020 Paralympic Games, F1 has today advised in a statement "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.”

The decision follows Grand Prix cancellations this season in Australia, China, Canada and Singapore and leaves F1 in the position of staging now races in Asia, other than those in nations of the Arabian Peninsula, for a second successive year.

Due to have been held at the Honda owned Suzuka circuit on 10th October, the auto manufacturer advised that the cancellation of the race in its last year as an engine manufacturer was “unfortunate”.

The decision means that F1 will have to find new races to fill its planned 23 race schedule, with the sport going on to advise "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 in locations to host Formula 1 events this year and beyond."

Japan's MotoGP, which was also scheduled to take place in October, was scrapped in June.