The inaugural Vietnamese Grand Prix was scheduled for this day, 5 April, in 2020 – but it would never go ahead…
The inaugural Vietnamese Grand Prix in Hanoi, scheduled for 5 April 2020, stood silent due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marking an unusual and ill-fated chapter in modern Formula 1 history. Announced in 2018 by F1 chairman Chase Carey as a part of the sport’s expansion into emerging markets, the Hanoi Street Circuit was a symbolic launch into a new destination for Formula 1. The circuit, designed by Hermann Tilke at a cost of $600 million, featured a hybrid layout and paid homage to iconic tracks around the world. However, as the pandemic escalated in March 2020, the race, along with the entire F1 calendar, faced postponement and eventual cancellation, reducing the season from 22 to 17 races. Vietnam’s inability to host the race in 2020 was a result of the logistical challenges posed by global travel restrictions and the prioritization of public health and safety amidst the pandemic.
