Canadian Grand Prix becomes latest victim of the global pandemic

In a statement by the management, Canadian promoters said

They “would honored to host the first race on the 2020 Formula 1 World Championship calendar” and that they “saddened” to have to postpone the race.

The race promoted by Octane Racing Group and organizers said decision to postpone, after regular discussions with city authorities and F1, not taken lightly.

“We have heard the directives issued by public health officials and as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic following the expert guidance provided by the authorities,” added organizers.

“Our thoughts and most sincere thanks go to the men and women working tirelessly to keep us healthy, safe and fed during these uncertain times.”

Almost half the COVID-19 cases in Canada are in the province of Quebec, of which Montreal is the largest city, where Premier Francois Legault said on Sunday he hoped new diagnoses would peak in a number of weeks.

He also extended a shutdown of non-essential businesses for another three weeks to May 4.

F1 chairman Chase Carey said F1 supported the “necessary decision to ensure the safety of fans and F1 community.

F1’s rule-makers approved adding five weeks to teams’ shutdown period as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.