Vietnam dropped from 2021 F1 calendar, Saudi Arabia in

Formula One is planning a record 23 races in 2021, including one in Saudi Arabia, but has dropped its inaugural race in Vietnam. The April slot for the Vietnamese Grand Prix was listed as “TBC” on the calendar published on Tuesday with no explanation and no mention of Vietnam. The race was scheduled to debut this year but abandoned amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The other 22 races include the first-ever Saudi Grand Prix, set for Nov. 28 in the Red Sea city of Jiddah, and the return of numerous races which were canceled during the pandemic. There's no return for the various one-off races at European tracks such as Mugello, Portimao and Imola, which were added as replacements and generally popular with drivers and fans.

The venue for the Brazilian Grand Prix is listed as Sao Paulo “subject to contract,” indicating a planned move from Sao Paulo's established Interlagos track to a new circuit in Rio de Janeiro will not take place. Champion Lewis Hamilton has voiced concern that an area of forest will be cut down to build the Rio venue.

The Dutch Grand Prix returns for the first time since 1985, after being canceled this year, and is scheduled for Sept. 5. The season finale remains in Abu Dhabi on Dec. 5. The 23-race calendar is the longest in F1 history. The 2020 calendar originally had 22 races. 

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