2020 Canadian Grand Prix officially cancelled
Formula 1 is expected to cancel all races in North and South America in 2020
One of the premier events of the Montreal social scene has been cancelled. The 2020 Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix has been removed from the 2020 calendar.
Earlier this morning, reports surfaced on Twitter that F1 was planning to cancel all races in North and South America. That means that the USA, Mexico, and Brazil F1 Grand Prix will also be removed from the 2020 F1 schedule.
F1 is to abandon attempts to race in the Americas this year – so no USA, Mexico, Brazil nor Canadian GP https://t.co/qJNasU7mMa
— Jon Noble (@NobleF1) July 24, 2020
“Though it is disappointing and difficult for us to face this conclusion it is a decision we must accept,” Canadian Grand Prix president Francois Dumontier said. “The health and safety of our employees, volunteers, partners, and of our faithful fans are and always will be our top priority.”
The Canadian Grand Prix was initial set to take place on June 14 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. It was postponed in April with a tentative date set for October. However, Montreal continues to restrict large gatherings to 250 people and masks are now required when in public.
The F1 weekend in Montreal is an annual event that attracts millions of tourists. This cancellation will surely deal a huge blow to downtown hotels and restaurants already hurting from the coronavirus pandemic.
The four cancelled F1 races will be replaced by three in Europe. One will take place in Germany on the Nurburgring while Imola in Italy will return to the Formula 1 schedule. The third race will take place in Portimao, Portugal.