New deal keeps F1 in Melbourne until 2035
The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix will stay in Melbourne until 2035 in a new deal announced today.
The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix will stay in Melbourne until 2035 in a new deal announced today. (Aston Martin Racing)
The new ten-year deal follows a sold-out weekend at the 2022 event which saw over 419,000 fans through the gates, the largest weekend sporting event in Australian history.
The Australian Grand Prix Corporation had recently made upgrades to the circuit to facilitate better racing, and will continue to improve facilities over the coming years.
Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali said he was delighted to announce the new deal.
"The race has always been a favourite for the fans, drivers and the teams and Melbourne is an incredible and vibrant international city that is a perfect match for our sport," said Domenicali.
"This year we saw huge crowds and passionate fans at the Grand Prix, and we are very excited by the future in Australia as our sport continues to grow."
The circuit will also play host to FIA Formula 2 and Formula 3 from 2023 onwards, increasing the support schedule and delivering more racing to Australian fans.
More than 1,000 volunteer officials facilitate the Australian Grand Prix each year. (Revved Photography/Motorsport Australia)
Andrew Westacott, CEO of the AGPC, joined Domenicali in celebrating the extension.
“This is a sensational announcement that is simply great for Melbourne and Victoria," he said.
"It builds on our rich motor sport history as well as Melbourne’s love of big sporting events and provides aspiration to the next generation of Aussie racing stars."
"We’re proud of our strong relationship with Formula 1 and together we will grow the sport in Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region."
"Everyone at the Australian Grand Prix Corporation looks forward to taking the Formula One Australian Grand Prix to new levels over the course of the next 13 years.”
Motorsport Australia President Andrew Fraser said the continued success of the event was testament to the work of staff and volunteers
“This news is a vote of confidence in the hard work of so many people, including the 1,000 plus officials who make this event possible each year."
"Our officials are the best in the world and their ongoing support, dedication and loyalty allow the enormous crowds to enjoy a safe and well organised event."
“We look forward to the event’s return in 2023 and can’t wait to see Melbourne host the best drivers in the world well into the future.”
The date of the 2023 Australian Grand Prix, including a decision on whether the race will return to its spot as the season-opener, will be confirmed at a later date.
