Azerbaijan GP, first Grand Prix to announce closed-door racing
Unlike last year and the start of the coronavirus crisis, the Baku circuit will play host to the Formula 1 grid, but the Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be devoid of fans for its 2021 edition.
This is the first Grand Prix to announce such a decision. Indeed, the promoters of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix announced through a press release that its 2021 edition would be held behind closed doors.
« This decision was made in light of the current health issues caused by the coronavirus pandemic, after lengthy deliberation between the Baku City Circuit, the government of the Republic of Azerbaijan, F1, and the FIA,” said Arif Rahimov, director of the Baku City Circuit. « As the global situation and response to the pandemic continue to improve, it became clear that the Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2021 weekend was coming too soon for the Baku City Circuit to host the event safely with fans present.
Confirming their joy at the return of Formula 1 to the streets of Baku, the promoters still have a heartfelt thought for the fans they hope to see again next season.
We are of course delighted to welcome F1 back to Baku after such a difficult period, but we will miss our fantastic fans. They have played a vital role in making this race weekend a special event year after year, Rahimov said. Our message is as simple as it is sincere: we miss you, and we will all meet again in 2022!
If the global health situation does not worsen, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix is expected to take place from June 4th to 6th.
