Rio de Janeiro cancels its F1 Grand Prix project to preserve its forest
The city of Rio de Janeiro had aimed to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix as early as the 2020 season. The plans are now different thanks to/due to the new city hall, which is more (eco)logical.
The city of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil had set a goal in 2019 to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix on the 2020 calendar. Unfortunately for them, the Brazilian Grand Prix was to be held in Sao Paulo, the historical stronghold of F1 in Brazil.
In 2021, a new Mayor took office in Rio de Janeiro with seemingly more ecological awareness than the former Mayor. The circuit project that was to be built in the Deodoro neighborhood on a forest did not receive approval from the Rio de Janeiro municipality: « The Camboata forest must not be replaced by a circuit track. » confirmed Eduardo Cavaliere, the Secretary of Rio de Janeiro in charge of the environment.
ok, but let’s talk about the Camboatá Forest in Rio de Janeiro? We already have a racetrack in Interlagos, we don’t need and don’t want more deforestation #BrazilSaysNoToDeforestation pic.twitter.com/sLRas0rGJ0
— bia PETECOF CAMPEÃO ???? (@bsantos0508) October 6, 2020
The cancellation of the license was also approved by Eduardo Paes, the new Mayor of the city. The agreement had initially been granted by the outgoing Mayor, Marcelo Crivella.
F1 has on its side extended the contract of Sao Paulo until 2025.
The last time F1 raced in Rio de Janeiro was in 1986. The circuit has since been demolished to make way for the buildings of the 2016 Olympic Games.
