Formula One will head to Istanbul for the Turkish Grand Prix for round seven of the 2021 season, replacing the now cancelled Canadian Grand Prix.
Montréal has dropped off the calendar due to the global situation, meaning it is the second Formula One season in a row in which the championship does not race in Canada.
Formula One has explained that "due to the ongoing international travel restrictions in place in Canada, it became impossible for Formula One to enter the country without a mandatory 14-day quarantine".
Therefore, the Turkish Grand Prix will take place in the original slot of the Canadian Grand Prix (11-13th June), which means Lance will not have a home race this year.
"I think everybody involved in the sport will be disappointed not to be racing in Canada this year,” said CEO & Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer.
"This team has a very close link with Canada and the city of Montréal, and it’s a shame Lance won’t get to race in front of his home crowd.
"Those fans have always given us a very warm welcome over the years, and they create such a wonderful atmosphere across the city during the race week.
"The entire team shares their disappointment, and we look forward to bringing Formula One back to Canada next year as the global situation hopefully improves.
"When we do return to Montréal, we will do our best put on a fantastic show for the fans.”
Formula One has added that it will work with the Canadian Grand Prix promoter to ensure those with tickets from the 2020 and 2021 races get the options of a refund or to transfer their tickets to next year’s race.
Going back to Istanbul Park brings back some happy memories from our most recent visit where Lance took his first pole position.
Turkey returned to Formula One after a nine-year absence last year as part of a revised calendar that also included the late arrivals of Portimão, Imola and the Nürburgring.
It means the Formula One season will have retained three of the four substitute races from the 2020 campaign.
Turkey is a circuit of great memories for the team. Team Silverstone took the first pole position of the Racing Point era through Lance, with the Canadian going on to lead the first half of the Grand Prix until front wing damaged impacted his race.
“Going back to Istanbul Park obviously brings back some happy memories from our most recent visit where Lance took his first pole position,” added Otmar.
Turkish Grand Prix
Get ready for the return of the Turkish Grand Prix with our preview page, including session times and a guide to the circuit.
"It was a standout moment of the season where he showed great skill in the tricky wet conditions.
"Lance went on to lead half of the race and built a significant advantage at the front until some freak car damage stopped his progress.
"Sergio [Perez] qualified third for that race and went onto finish second, which underlined a very strong weekend for the team.”
The return of Turkey is a logical one considering not only its recent Formula One experience but also its European location that ensures it can easily slot in between the Azerbaijan and French Grands Prix.
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