Formulation 1 aren’t commenting on credible reports claiming the 2021 Canadian Grand Prix, scheduled for June, received’t occur in any respect this yr whereas native well being officers are additionally downplaying the ideas, merely including to the confusion.
When approached for remark by GP247, an F1 spokesperson replied: “We’re persevering with our discussions with the promoter in Canada and haven’t any additional remark.”
In the meantime, the Related Press report that the Canadian Grand Prix stays on the schedule for the 2021 World Championship season however stories are that the race is all however cancelled as Montreal well being officers concern the potential unfold of COVID-19 when the Formula 1 circus hits city.
Addressing stories that the race would not happen, because it has historically on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Mayor of Montreal Valerie Plante instructed media on Thursday the coronavirus issues don’t imply the 11-13 June race is cancelled for a second yr in a row.
“The very fact is that Montreal public well being issued a discover opposing the holding of the Grand Prix, even behind closed doorways,” Plante instructed Canadian Press. “What we wish is for public well being departments to speak collectively earlier than we make something official. It’s the least we are able to do, out of respect for the varied companions.
“Ultimately, regardless of the resolution, and if it seems that the Grand Prix will not be coming again to Montreal this yr, we’ll work to make sure the Grand Prix continues to happen in Montreal.”
Annie Dufour, a spokeswoman for Montreal public well being, stated the company was in no place to authorize the cancellation of the race: “We’re not those taking the choice.
““We will merely give suggestions and revaluate ranges of threat. Clearly, given the delicate epidemiological state in Montreal, we shared our hesitation over the holding of the occasion.”
The Canadian Grand Prix additionally was cancelled in 2020 because of the pandemic. Octane Administration, which is is chargeable for organizing Montreal’s F1 occasion, declined to remark.
Quebec Minister of the Financial system and Innovation Pierre Fitzgibbon stated companions concerned try to reduce the results related to any cancellation.
“What I can let you know is that, certainly, the Quebec authorities needs to maintain the Canadian Grand Prix from 2022 to 2029,” he stated. “The financial advantages are essential for Quebec.”
He additionally addressed whether or not a cancellation would entail a breach of contract with F1.
“It’s a contract. There’s an settlement between the European authorities and the Canadian Grand Prix that’s legitimate till 2029. So if the Grand Prix doesn’t happen this yr, will probably be due to a power majeure. We’re dwelling a really particular scenario, and well being takes priority over the economic system,” defined Fitzgibbon.
Montreal has hosted F1 since 1978 when Canada’s favorite driver Gilles Villeneuve powered his Ferrari to a well-known victory on house soil. 2019 was the 40th working of the Grand Prix on Ile Notre Dame, received by Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton.