Formula 1 is getting more and more in need with its record calendar in the second Corona season.
Because of the alarming infection situation in Japan, the racing series has to do without the Grand Prix in Suzuka this year as well.
After China, Canada, Singapore and Australia, the fifth round of the World Cup has already been canceled due to the pandemic, and there are doubts about the Brazil guest appearance in November.
After lengthy negotiations with the organizer in Suzuka and the Japanese authorities, Formula 1 announced the end of the race planned for October 10 on Wednesday.
Previously, the Japanese government had once again extended the corona emergency for the capital Tokyo and expanded it to other prefectures.
For the most recent Olympic Games and the upcoming Paralympics in Tokyo, spectators were largely excluded.
That threatened Formula 1 in Suzuka as well.
Originally, the motorsport premier class had planned the record number of 23 world championship races for this season.
Melbourne had initially postponed its race from March to November and then canceled it entirely.
Shanghai, Montréal and Singapore also canceled their Grand Prix for the second time in a row.
A guest appearance in Turkey was canceled for June and is now to take place in September.
Japan should actually be the end of a three-pack, on the two weekends before the appearance in Russia and the catch-up date in Turkey are scheduled.
In Suzuka, engine manufacturer Honda wanted to say goodbye to its domestic Formula 1 fans, and the car manufacturer will end its commitment at the end of the season.
Formula 1 will present the new plans for a converted calendar in the coming weeks, it said.
It is uncertain whether there will be a replacement for Japan or for the still open space from Australia on November 21.
"Formula 1 has shown this year that we can adapt and find solutions to the ongoing uncertainty," said the racing series.
There is still a high level of interest from many countries in hosting a Grand Prix. Managing director Stefano Domenicali had assured several times that he wanted to stick to the number of 23 races. With this, Formula 1 wants to secure the highest possible income after the corona losses of the previous year. After the summer break, the racing series will take place on August 29 in Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium. The season finale is planned for December 12th in Abu Dhabi.