Formula 1 Grand Prix Canceled In Austin Over Coronavirus

AUSTIN, TX — The Formula 1 U.S. Grand Prix that had been scheduled at the Circuit of the Americas in late October has been canceled over concerns about the coronavirus, officials confirmed on Friday.

The cancellation joins a long list of large-scale events being shuttered over inability to ensure proper physical distancing among spectators amid the respiratory illness pandemic. Also removed from the racing schedule were the Mexican Grand Prix that had been planned in Mexico City, Brazilian Grand Prix, in São Paulo and the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, F1 officials announced.

"After ongoing discussions and close collaboration with our partners we can confirm that due to the fluid nature of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, local restrictions and the importance of keeping communities and our colleagues safe, the F1 United States Grand Prix will not take place this year," Circuit of the Americas officials wrote on the venue's website.

Bobby Esptein, the chairman and owner of the Circuit of the Americas, ackowledged cutting the event was "painful" but necessary to ensure the health of racing aficionados. Adding to the pain was the prospect of this year's race being the biggest ever, even after record ticket sales for last year's version.

"The cancellation is prudent, but painful," Esptein wrote on the website. "After a sold out 2019, advance ticket sales deposits were up nearly 250 percent over the prior year, and our staff was preparing our biggest event ever. We had secured blockbuster performers for the evening shows, and the racing this year is fantastic. I'm disappointed for the fans, COTA employees, our community, and everyone in the Formula One Paddock, as I believe we all look forward to what has become a wonderful annual tradition. It is my hope that the pandemic will soon pass and we will celebrate 2021 with the greatest Formula One United States Grand Prix ever!"

Formula 1 Chairman and CEO Chase Carey added: "We want to pay tribute to our incredible partners in the Americas and look forward to being back with them next season when they will once again be able to thrill millions of fans around the world.”

Information regarding the 2021 United States Grand Prix will be released later at a later date, officials said. To sign up for updates, visit the Circuit of the Americas website.