Canadian GP

Canadian GP axe 'disappointing and frustrating' for Stroll and Latifi

The race was officially cancelled on Wednesday

Ian Parkes & Sam Hall

Thursday 29 April 2021 20:15

Lance Stroll and Nicholas Latifi have expressed their disappointment and frustration at the axing of their home Canadian Grand Prix for a second successive year from the F1 calendar.

On Wednesday, the race was officially cancelled for 'public health reasons' related to the Covid-19 pandemic, with the Turkish GP stepping in as a replacement.

Speaking ahead of the Portuguese GP at Portimão, Aston Martin driver Stroll has expressed his hurt at not being able to compete on home soil with his new team later this year.

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“It’s just really sad that for the second year in a row now we’re not going to be going to Montreal," said Stroll. "It’s the race that I always look forward to the most and I just feel for the fans.

"My heart goes out to everyone back in Montreal that looks forward to the race every year.

“It’s one of the most exciting weekends in the city and it’s just really sad that for a second year it’s not happening.

“Times are tough. It’s maybe not the right time to go there and the world is still in a funny place.

"So all I can say is that I really hope we can be back there next year and to everyone back in Canada, just keep your chin up and fingers crossed. Let's look forward to next season and being back.”

Williams driver Latifi is also hopeful the race will finally return next season, but has naturally declared himself to be "extremely disappointed" he will not be racing in F1 in front of the Canadian fans for the first time this year.

"There's some frustration as well," added Latifi. "Any driver that has a home race on the calendar that should be on the calendar, it's the one that they look forward to the most.

"I've experienced two FP1s driving in Canada and they were some of the coolest experiences I've had in motorsport, pulling out of the pitlane, driving in front of your home crowd.

"Second year now in a row as a Formula 1 driver that I won't get the opportunity to race this year - hopefully maybe in the future.

"Obviously, it's a difficult situation back home in Canada right now with Covid, so I'm going to have to wait another year. Until then, see you next year."