Plans to build and replace the current Sao Paulo-based Interlagos Formula One track with a new Formula 1 circuit in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro have been jettisoned.
The proposed new track – Rio International Circuit – was to be constructed on a former army base but it required the destruction of a portion of the native Camboata rain forest and that created an environmental controversy.
Current F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton had also indicated his opposition to the track.
After the opposition to the proposed track became more substantial, F1 subsequently agreed a deal to keep the Brazilian Grand Prix at the Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo, which has hosted the race since 1990 – however, the race name itself will be changed to Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Last year’s Brazilian Grand Prix was cancelled due to the ongoing Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. The 2021 Sao Paulo Grand Prix is currently scheduled to be held on November 7, 2021.