No Singapore Grand Prix This Time Around! What’s The Sudden Cancellation Down To?
Exasperating and taxing, the Singapore Grand Prix is one of the most challenging venues on the F1 calendar. And that’s been the case since 2008. Though, fundamentally speaking, the main objective for any driver at a street course is to exhibit skill and sheer pace. Though on street venues, it’s the former that’s most advantageous with the chances of overtaking being arduous than ever. Think the recently-concluded Monaco Grand Prix. Think the soon-to-happen Azerbaijan Grand Prix. And then, how can we forget the Singapore Grand Prix.
A race that’s much looked upto for providing an entertaining drizzle of a slugfest of speed and skill, the sad news is that this year’s Singapore Grand Prix stands cancelled.
There will no longer be the mouth-watering prospect of seeing the Red Bulls, as seen in ominous touch tackling the hefty Mercedes challenge on a venue where the last time around, it were the Scarlet red cars that reigined supreme.
Though, that being said, just what has led to the cancellation of the Singapore Grand Prix, usually held around September each year?
Why was the 2021 Singapore Grand Prix cancelled?
The following is what the organizers had to say about the electrifying night safari that tests the potential of cars and pushes the ten teams and thus, twenty drivers endlessly so:
“We understand that our fans were looking forward to another edition of the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix” said the deputy chairman of Singapore GP Pte Ltd Colin Syn.
“To cancel the event for a second year is an incredibly difficult decision, but a necessary one in light of the prevailing restrictions for live events in Singapore.”
“We would not be able to deliver a full event experience [that] fans have come to expect over the years, while safeguarding the health and safety of our fans, contractors, volunteers and staff,” he added. Ultimately, we have to be responsible, cautious and prudent as safety is our number one concern.”
That being said, in proving that in these torrid COVID-19 riddled times, it’s safety and security that must get fundamental importance, in the light of the difficult challenges, the organizers have taken the right step. What else can one possibly draw from the sudden decision? It’s a step taken for the collective well-being for everyone!
The Singapore Grand Prix was being planned as a venue that would have allowed entry to F1-hungry fans from all over, thus adding to the risk of the overall eminent event.
For now, it would read like a spoilsport to many- right?
But interesting to recall what happened when the race last occurred in the F1 calendar?
The last time, however, when the Singapore Grand Prix took place, circa 2019, it ended with a fantastic strategy-assisted win for four-time F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel, a driver who recently shone bright at the demanding Monaco track, scoring his best finish for the season!
What we shall miss will be the enticing prospect of seeing three of the fastest cars engage in what could so easily have been a close tussle at Singapore. Who knows, with McLaren challenging the authority of Red Bull and Mercedes instead of the usual narrative.
