Concerns about COVID hub likely to force GP cancellation
The Australian Formula One grand prix is set to be cancelled for a second straight year due to concerns from the teams regarding the quarantine hub.
Victorian Sports Minister Martin Pakula and Australian Grand Prix CEO Andrew Westacott are expected to make the announcement at 3pm on Tuesday.
The 2021 race had been provisionally pushed back from its regular early-season timeslot to November in the hope COVID-19 restrictions would have eased by then.
The 2020 Australian GP at the Albert Park street circuit in Melbourne was called off at the last moment at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
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Australia’s strict international travel and quarantine conditions are believed to be behind the decision, with the number of arrivals set to be slashed this month.
The Australian Grand Prix Corporation presented a COVID-safe plan to the government, arguing the event could be run safely with the drivers and crews operating within a bubble.
Drivers are reportedly reluctant to go into hard quarantine, which allowed international tennis players to compete at the Australian Open earlier this year.
Formula One already has a race scheduled in Brazil for Nov 5-7, leaving little time for a two-week hotel quarantine before the November 19-21 event in Melbourne.
