Singapore Grand Prix has been cancelled for the second year in a row, with thousands of deferred tickets from last year to now be refunded.
Organisers said the race, scheduled for October, has been called off due to ongoing safety and logistic concerns brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tickets for this year’s race had not been released for sale, pending the decision on the event’s feasibility. Ticket holders who deferred their 2020 tickets to the 2021 race will be fully refunded, with organisers saying they will be contacting them directly with the details.
Singapore Grand Prix’s iconic street night race and its circuit-wide concert and entertainment line-up has attracted fans from over 100 countries since it was first staged in 2008, but race chiefs said the international nature of the event was ultimately what led to its cancellation.
Reports suggest Turkey, China and a second race at Austin in the US could replace Singapore on this year’s F1 calendar.
“We understand that our fans were looking forward to another edition of the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix,” said Colin Syn, deputy chairman of Singapore GP.
“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 fans have come to expect over the years, while safeguarding the health and safety of our fans, contractors, volunteers and staff. Ultimately, we have to be responsible, cautious and prudent as safety is our No.1 concern.
“We are grateful for the support of Singaporeans, stakeholders and local businesses who have helped contribute to the success of the night race. Needless to say, we look forward to the safe return of Formula 1 racing against the spectacular Marina Bay skyline.”
This year’s event of Asia’s only F1 street race was scheduled to be the last under a four-year extension signed in 2017. Singapore GP said it is in discussions with the authorities and Formula 1 on the issue of hosting the FIA Formula 1 World Championship going forward.
Organisers said ticket-holders will be notified of the refund procedures within three days, while refunds should be processed within the next 30 days.
Refunds will include the cost of tickets and handling charges, however organisers reiterated that they will not offer compensation for any travel and accommodation expenses as per the event’s conditions of sale and entry.
Organisers reported in 2017, when the most recent deal was signed, that the race had attracted over 450,000 international visitors to Singapore and about S$1.4bn in tourism receipts
Image: Singapore Grand Prix
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