The 2020 Singapore Grand Prix has been cancelled due to “continuing nationwide restrictions on construction and business activities” amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Singapore GP Pte Ltd announced on Friday (12 June).
In a statement, Singapore GP said that the cancellation of the event – initially scheduled to be held on 20 September – was due to the prohibitions imposed on access and construction of the event venue that is required for a street race to be held.
“Confirmation of the cancellation will also give certainty to our fans, ticket holders, and commercial partners,” it stated.
Besides the closure of the venue, Singapore GP added that the cancellation was also due to restrictions on mass gatherings and worldwide travel.
“With these limitations, which continue to remain in place, building and construction work of the circuit, which normally commences in May, have not been able to commence. We are therefore unable to complete the race circuit infrastructure in time for the race to take place.”
Singapore GP’s Deputy Chairman Colin Syn hinted that the return of the race in 2021 is in the works.
“While we are disappointed that we won’t be able to host the race this year, we look forward to welcoming fans to the race next season and wish the Formula 1 community well as it starts its season in July,” said Mr Syn.
Meanwhile, ticket holders can opt to rollover their ticket to next year’s event, or choose to get refunds which will be processed within 30 business days.
Separately, Formula 1 noted in its release earlier today that this year’s races in Azerbaijan and Japan will also be cancelled.
“These decisions have been taken due to the different challenges our promoters face in those countries,” it stated.
Formula 1 remains “confident” to have a 15-18 race season by the time the season concludes in Abu Dhabi in mid-December and expects to publish the finalised calendar before the start of the season in Austria on 3 July.
“The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) supports the joint decision by race promoter Singapore GP Pte Ltd and Formula 1 to cancel the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2020, as this safeguards the health and wellbeing of participants, fans and all Singaporeans,” said Ong Ling Lee, STB’s Director of Sports.