Blow for Red Bull, Max Verstappen as Honda’s Denied Chance to Bid Farewell at Home F1 Race

The much-awaited Japanese Grand Prix has yet again been ruled out at the request of the Japanese government because of the ongoing COVID-19 issues. The race at the Suzuka Circuit was scheduled to take place on 10th October, as the third event of the third triple-header of the season after the Russian and Turkish GP. The race was also removed from the last year’s racing calendar because of the coronavirus.

It will be an immense blow for the fellow compatriot, Yuki Tsunoda, and Red Bull, as they missed the opportunity to say adieu to the final Japanese GP. Not to forget the huge backing Max Verstappen would have received in his title fight against Lewis Hamilton.

This was the final year of Honda in Formula 1, and it was also their last chance to be officially involved in F1 in front of their home fans.

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As Honda, we are particularly disappointed: Japanese F1 GP Chief Officer

As quoted by the official Honda Racing website, Koji Watanabe, Chief Officer for Brand and Communication Operations, announced the cancelation of Japanese GP for the second year running.

The statement reads: “It is unfortunate that, for a second consecutive year, it has not been possible to hold the Japanese Formula 1 Grand Prix at Suzuka.”

“As Honda, we are particularly disappointed, because this is the final year of our Formula 1 project and we know that so many fans were looking forward to attending the event.”

“The 2021 season is now heading for an exciting climax and we will be giving our all, fighting hard all the way to achieve our goal of winning the championships as this Honda Formula 1 project comes to an end and we hope our fans will continue to support us.”

“Lastly, as the title sponsor of the event, we would like to thank MOBILITYLAND and Formula 1 for working so hard right up to the very last moment, to try and stage the Grand Prix.”

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Japanese Grand Prix is not the first race to be removed from this season’s racing calendar. The Chinese GP was canceled before the start of the current campaign and later Canada, Singapore, and Australia GP were added to this list.

It will be an arduous task for Formula 1 to organize all 23 race weekends this year if any more countries get adversely affected by the COVID-19.