F1 Drops New Jersey from 2013 Calendar, Season Reduced to 19 Races
Bernie Ecclestone confirmed the cancellation of the New Jersey Grand Prix for 2013, leaving Formula One with a 19-race calendar for the upcoming season.
Formula One will run a 19-race calendar in 2013 after organisers dropped plans for a New Jersey Grand Prix. Bernie Ecclestone confirmed the decision on 19 October 2012, citing missed deadlines and organisational issues as the reason the planned race could not proceed.
The race, originally scheduled to take place on the streets of New Jersey with the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop, had been a high-profile addition to the 2013 schedule. However, Ecclestone said the local organisers had failed to secure the necessary financing and ran out of time to complete preparations. All required permissions were reportedly in place, but the event's backers were unable to meet the commercial and construction requirements in time for a 2013 debut.
Why the New Jersey race was cancelled
Ecclestone made clear that the organisers “missed the boat a little on some financing that was coming in” and “ran out of time.” Although permissions had been secured, financial arrangements and construction timelines slipped beyond recovery. Ecclestone also noted that winter conditions in New York would have made it even more difficult to complete the necessary work ahead of the proposed summer date.
The New Jersey event had been promoted as a landmark addition, intended to bring Formula One to a major US metropolitan area for the first time in decades. Its cancellation leaves the United States Grand Prix at Austin, Texas, as the country’s sole F1 round for 2013.
No substitute for the cancelled round
Ecclestone ruled out suggestions that Turkey or any other venue could replace New Jersey for 2013. The championship will therefore run with one fewer event than originally planned. This marks a change from the 20-race schedule Formula One has operated in recent years, and reduces the number of points-scoring opportunities for teams and drivers.
- New Jersey Grand Prix (cancelled)
- No Turkish Grand Prix or other replacement
- 2013 season now set at 19 races
Implications for teams and fans
For teams, the reduction to 19 races means one less logistical challenge and a slightly less demanding travel schedule. For fans, especially those in the New York and New Jersey area, the cancellation is a setback after years of anticipation. The US Grand Prix in Austin remains the only American date on the calendar for 2013.
Organisers have indicated they will attempt to revive the New Jersey event for a future season, but no new date has been confirmed. The 2013 calendar will proceed with the remaining scheduled races, starting in Australia and finishing in Brazil.
