Canadian GP reportedly axed but F1 insist talks ongoing

The Canadian Grand Prix appears set to be axed for the second successive year.

National broadcaster Radio-Canada is reporting the June 13 race has been cancelled for what it describes as "public health reasons" relating to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

A report states that: "Montreal health officials have concluded that, even behind closed doors, without spectators, the risk of spreading Covid-19 is too high."

It is understood that while Quebec public health officials were willing to allow the race to go ahead behind closed doors, their counterparts in Montreal feel the risks are too great.

An F1 spokesperson has confirmed to GPFans Global, however, that "we are continuing our discussions with the promoter in Canada and have no further comment".

A major hurdle for F1 is the fact there is currently a two-week quarantine period in place for all arrivals in Canada, which the sport cannot comply with as the Azerbaijan GP runs across the previous weekend in June.

It is understood that despite F1's offer of running a strict bubble policy, as it managed successfully with last season's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the concerns remain too high for the Montreal health officials.

Despite F1's continuing discussions, it appears certain the race will be called off, with the Turkish GP likely to step in as a replacement.

Following a nine-year absence, the race made a successful return in mid-November and provided the scene for Lewis Hamilton's record-equalling seventh title triumph.

Financial terms still need to be ironed out, however, while there is also an ongoing Covid-19 spike in cases that could cause concern.

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