The Australian Grand Prix has officially been deemed cancelled for the second year in a row owing to the rise in cases of coronavirus.
The Australian round of the MotoGP world championship was supposed to be held on October 24 but now remains officially cancelled.
The Formula 1 event was set to take place from the 19th to the 21st of November, but is cancelled due to the strict border control restrictions in Australia.
‘Deep Disappointment’
The Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Paul Little said he was “deeply disappointed” in a public notice to stakeholders.
“We appreciate the challenge Australia faces with current international travel restrictions and the importance of vaccinations,” he added.
The Australian Grand Prix had previously been cancelled for 2020 and was postponed for the current season on March 14 2021. However, later on even this tentative date was moved to November due to the checks and regulations at the border.
Formula 1 Seasons
The November F1 race was supposed to be followed by two more seasons: Formula 1 season in Saudi Arabia and the final season in Abu Dhabi for the Grand Prix.
However, the Australian border regulations require that the are icing passenger be quarantined for up to 14 days. This is expected to be applicable at least until the end of the year.
Restrictions And Challenges
Organizers have obviously blamed the restrictions and logistical challenges related to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic behind their decision to cancel it.
The head of the Formula 1-Stefano Domenicali expressed possibility of a 23-race season in spite of the cancellation.
Australian McLaren racing driver Daniel Ricciardo said the news was a “huge disappointment” for the players, but added that they “understand the causes”.
“For me personally, I can’t wait to have the chance to race at home again, and it’ll be even sweeter when we do because it’s been so long,” Ricciardo added. “Fingers crossed things can change for 2022 and we get to see the awesome fans at Albert Park again and put on a good show for them.”
