F1 have announced that the Canadian GP, scheduled to be held on the weekend of 12-14th June, has become the ninth race of the season to be postponed due to the COVID-19 crisis.
This news follows the update from F1 Chairman and CEO Chase Carey a couple of weeks ago to say that, when and if the season can get back underway, it will do with a revised calendar that is likely to be drastically different in terms of order to the original 2020 race calendar.
In a statement, the organisers of the Canada GP declared they would have been honoured to be the first race of the F1 season.
“This postponement was not a decision that was taken lightly or easily,” the statement read. “Over the past month, we have been in constant communication with Formula 1 and representatives from the city of Montréal, Tourism Montreal and both provincial and federal governments.
“We have heard the directives issued by public health officials and as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic are following the expert guidance provided by the authorities.
“Our thoughts and most sincere thanks go to the men and women working tirelessly to keep us healthy, safe and fed during these uncertain times.”
Francis Dumontier, who is the President and CEO of Canadian GP added: “I am proud to see how such wonderful initiatives and technical advancements stemming from Formula 1 are being applied in a time of crisis.
“At the moment it is crucial that all of our energies be put together to overcome COVID-19. We will welcome you with open arms t Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve as soon as it is safe to do so.”
Chase Carey said: “We have been working closely with our friends at the Canadian Grand Prix over the past few weeks and support them in taking this necessary decision to ensure the safety of fans and the F1 community.
“We always look forward to travelling to the incredible city of Montreal and while we will all have to wait a bit longer, we will put on a great show when we arrive later this year.”
Ticketing for the Canadian GP
If you have a ticket for the Canadian GP in June then do not despair, your ticket will still be valid for the race whenever it does eventually take place.
It’s important to note that the race has merely been postponed, not cancelled, implying that it will eventually happen. The when of it all remains to be seen, but the Canadian GP is one of the most popular of the year and I’m sure the authorities will do everything they can to make sure it goes ahead eventually.
Meanwhile, we’ll all have to get used to the new world for the foreseeable. Stay at home, stay safe. And if you’re missing your regular fix of F1, be sure to check out the e-sports series some of the drivers have been competing in over the last few weeks on YouTube.
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