Red Bull leads team reaction to Japan cancellation as Honda loses final home race

Red Bull has led the team reaction to the Japanese Grand Prix cancellation with Honda being denied its chance to perform in front of a home crowd ahead of its F1 withdrawal.

The race at Suzuka has been cancelled for the second year running as Japan continues to cope with the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Honda leaves F1 at the end of the season with Red Bull taking over its power unit programme but will now not have the opportunity to take victory in front of its home fans before bowing out of the sport.

Honda chief officer for brand and communication operations Koji Watanabe said: "It is unfortunate that, for a second consecutive year, it has not been possible to hold the Japanese Formula 1 Grand Prix at Suzuka.

"As Honda, we are particularly disappointed, because this is the final year of our Formula 1 project and we know that so many fans were looking forward to attending the event.

"The 2021 season is now heading for an exciting climax and we will be giving our all, fighting hard all the way to achieve our goal of winning the championships as this Honda Formula 1 project comes to an end and we hope our fans will continue to support us.

"Lastly, as the title sponsor of the event, we would like to thank MOBILITYLAND and Formula 1 for working so hard right up to the very last moment, to try and stage the Grand Prix."

To our amazing Japanese fans, we are sad we can't race with you this year. We can't wait to see you again in 2022

日本の素晴らしいファンのみなさんへ

残念ながら、今年は日本でレースを行うことができなくなりました。2022年にみなさんにお会いすることを楽しみにしています。 pic.twitter.com/bQa6IAnznh

— Formula 1 (@F1) August 18, 2021

The #JapaneseGP has been cancelled ? Stay safe and we can't wait to see you all next year ?? pic.twitter.com/k6fjpk0p3F

— Red Bull Racing Honda (@redbullracing) August 18, 2021

Missing you already, Japan. ???

No F1 race this year, but we’ll be back in front of all our incredible Japanese fans soon! ? https://t.co/rnDNEuJPdW pic.twitter.com/ji69YTjqws

— McLaren (@McLarenF1) August 18, 2021

To all of our amazing fans in Japan, we miss you and we'll see you soon. ? https://t.co/DTeQDg045t

— Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) August 18, 2021