The Singapore Grand Prix was cancelled for the second consecutive year due to COVID-19 restrictions, race organisers confirmed on Friday.

The deputy chairman of the Singapore GP Colin Syn said in a statement that the decision was an "incredibly difficult" one but necessary due to existing restrictions for live events in the country.

"Since its debut, the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix has attracted fans from over 100 countries and established itself as more than just a race with a robust circuit-wide concert and entertainment line-up. Given the evolving and unpredictable pandemic situation around the world, it has become increasingly challenging to stage a complex multi-faceted event for tens of thousands of local and overseas spectators," the statement said.

"We would not be able to deliver a full event experience fans have come to expect over the years, while safeguarding the health and safety of our fans, contractors, volunteers and staff. Ultimately, we have to be responsible, cautious and prudent as safety is our number one concern."

Singapore has managed the pandemic and recorded low numbers of infections low by enforcing tough immigration restrictions and a thorough test-and-trace system.

Formula 1 is reported to be assessing its options to replace the race with Turkey, China and a second race in the USA on the cards.

Formula 1 is pushing ahead with its plan for a record 23-race schedule this year with five events having been completed so far and a sixth, in Azerbaijan, coming up.

However, other races in Australia, Brazil, Japan and Mexico are under threat for various reasons regarding the pandemic.

(With input from agencies)