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Formula 1: Abandoned Grand Prix back on the schedule?

BBG News

As a seasoned gamer and racing enthusiast who’s been following Formula 1 since its inception, I can’t help but feel a mix of anticipation and nostalgia about the potential return of the Vietnamese Grand Prix. Having played F1 2020 and experienced the thrill of zooming through Hanoi’s city streets, it’s safe to say that the circuit has left an indelible mark on me.

By the end of the 2010s, arrangements were being made for another Grand Prix in East Asia. In 2018, Hanoi City in Vietnam was selected as the location and it was predicted that the event would take place during the 2020 season. The street circuit was expected to be a long-term addition to Formula 1 racing.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vietnamese Grand Prix was unfortunately canceled in 2020. However, preparations continued for its anticipated debut in 2021.

Yet, Mayor Nguyen Duc Chung of the city faced corruption charges late in 2020 and was given a five-year prison sentence. This event prompted Formula 1 to disassociate from him and the Grand Prix, causing their contract to end prematurely before the race could occur.

Could the Vietnamese Grand Prix be revived?

Despite being deserted for quite some time now, the circuit was once FIA-certified for top-tier motorsports like Formula 1. In the year 2023, there were whispers that the CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali, had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Vietnam and the Mayor of Hanoi. This gathering is speculated to have centered around reinstating the Vietnamese Grand Prix on the Formula 1 schedule.

Leading figures within Formula 1’s executive team are advocating for a rotation system to host races starting from 2026. If this plan comes to fruition, there’s a possibility that Hanoi City might reappear on the schedule within a few upcoming years.

Making its inaugural appearance, the Vietnamese Grand Prix promises thrilling competition ahead. The track, reminiscent of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Saudi Arabia as depicted in the F1 2020 video game, has garnered success since its inclusion on the calendar in 2021.

Although Formula 1 didn’t manage to hold the Vietnamese Grand Prix following an estimated expenditure of around $600 million, the groundwork has already been laid. With the potential for both Vietnam and Formula 1 to collaborate, there’s a strong possibility that they could bring back the race and offer fans another exciting event on the racing calendar.

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2024-11-25 14:32

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