The Formula One season is heavily being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This season is no different as it brings its own obstacles with the new upcoming Formula One season of 2021.
During the 2020 season, the Portugal Grand Prix at Portimao was added to fill up the race’s need for last season’s calendar and since the race, it has found itself back on the calendar for this year’s season.
The Covid situation in the country of Portugal has created some speculation if the race can take place and whether it can give a secure slot to the track to this year’s calendar. However, with the following weeks of talks between Formula One and race organizers, they have come to an agreement to green-light the event.
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Its lights out in Portugal
Autosport reports that F1 has committed to the “TBC” slot for the Portugal track on the 2nd of May. The judgment taken on Portugal has clarified that the season will be opened in Baharan and following that the F1 circus will be at Imola.
The F1 commission will hold a meeting on Thursday to inform the teams of the planned F1 calendar year. However, the Portuguese Grand Prix has its own obstacles to tackle because The UK has some restrictions. Hence anyone returning from the country needs to quarantine for 10 days in a hotel.
With no exceptions being made under the Red list for elite sport. Therefore UK based teams won’t be able to return home from Portugal before the Spanish Grand Prix held on 9th May. Moreover, with back-to-back race weekends it’s highly unlikely for UK-based personnel to return home.
The return to the grid
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The F1 grid would return to the track on the 28th of March, which would open the 2021 F1 season. Had Portugal not been included in the calendar, Bahrain would have been hosting a doubleheader instead.
Fans would eagerly wait to see the cars back on track, as they zip around the circuit at breakneck speeds. The teams will have to endure another hectic year as they battle it out for being the best one on the grid and fight for the constructor’s championship again. Who do you think will be victorious in 2021?
Also Read: Former F1 Driver Explains Why Stefano Domenicali Will Be a Good News for American Fans
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