We've already seen several Grand Prix removed from the F1 calendar this season, with Australia the latest. The race at Albert Park has been cancelled for the second year in a row , joining in the footsteps of China, Vietnam, Canada and Singapore among others. However, there are other events that remain uncertain at this time. The next five races will all be held in Europe and look set to take place, along with events in Russia and Turkey after that. From there the questions begin as F1 looks to travel around the world.
Japanese Grand Prix - October 10
The Olympic Games will take place in Japan next month, however MotoGP have already cancelled their race in the county which was scheduled for a week before the F1 event. As a result the race in Japan is far from certain to take place. While a replacement for the race could be found in the short term, the same can't be said for the Olympics, which were postponed to this year. Much will depend on what transpires at the Games and whether case numbers increase due to the event. At the same time, it is Honda's last home race and the engine supplier will be hoping the event goes ahead. That would give them the opportunity to say goodbye to the sport in style should Red Bull or AlphaTauri win, as Honda will be leaving F1 at the end of the 2021 season.
Sao Paulo Grand Prix - November 7
The Sao Paulo Grand Prix is scheduled to take place in Brazil on November 7, however the coronavirus situation in the country suggests the race will be cancelled just like last year. F1 will have to look for a replacement and a place to hold its third sprint qualifying event, as it is currently planned for Interlagos.
Possible replacements
F1 boss Stefano Domenicali announced that F1 has alternatives lined up for the Australian GP. Given that the race at Albert Park is followed by trips to Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi, a second race in Bahrain - like last year - seems likely. If the Japanese GP is cancelled in October, F1 could look to Nurburgring or Mugello, where an event was held last year, as a replacement. Races at Imola and Portimao earlier this season showed that there are ample options at European circuits. As for the Sao Paulo GP, a solution is already being discussed with talk that a second race in the United States could take place. Another race in Austin is probable, though there is a small chance we could see an event at Indianapolis. All in all, don't be surprised if the F1 calendar goes through some more changes in the near future. Nevertheless F1 are ready for all possible scenarios in hopes that the 2022 season is a little more straightforward.
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