The 2021 race will be replaced by the Turkish Grand Prix, F1 confirmed
Photo taken from the official F1 website (https://www.formula1.com)
The governments of Canada and Quebec have finalized an agreement with Formula One World Championship (FOWC) to ensure the return of the Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada and its extension into 2031, two years beyond the current agreement.
Due to the health measures in place to fight COVID-19, the Grand Prix du Canada is being cancelled for a second year in a row. The event will nonetheless return next year and will be held as outlined in the contract among the partners and the FOWC.
Formula 1, meanwhile, has confirmed a change to round 7 of the 2021 calendar, with the Turkish Grand Prix replacing the Canadian Grand Prix for the weekend of June 11 to 13.
“We are grateful for the efforts of the promoter and the authorities in Canada, Quebec and Montreal in the past few weeks to try and make the race happen and we are pleased to announce a two-year extension to our partnership with the Canadian Grand Prix,” read a statement by Formula 1.
Under the agreement, the Grand Prix du Canada à Montréal will be held into 2031, and the partners commit to spending $25 million and $26 million respectively for the 2030 and 2031 editions.
Furthermore, the governments of Canada and Quebec will make major investments to promote Montréal and Quebec internationally to bring tourists back to the metropolis once health conditions make it possible.
“The commitment our government is making today by renewing its support for the Grand Prix du Canada for two additional years attests to the importance we place on tourism’s role in our country’s economic recovery”, said Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.
François Dumontier, President and CEO of Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada, recognizes that “although it is difficult and disappointing to face such a conclusion for the second year in a row, the health and safety of Montréalers, Quebecers and Canadians are and will always be the priority”.
Despite the disappointment for not being able to be in Canada this year, a “fantastic step in our season”, Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, shows confidence that it “will be back in 2022 to offer some truly thrilling moments in Montréal”.
On October 31, 2017, a memorandum of understanding arose between the Société du parc Jean-Drapeau (SPJD), the governments of Canada and Quebec and the Office des congrès et du tourisme du grand Montréal to ensure the Grand Prix du Canada à Montréal would be held into 2029.
The commitment announced today by the two levels of government and the Ville de Montréal will enable the agreement on holding the event to be extended for two more years. ■
