2021 Australian Grand Prix postponed until November
The 2021 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix will not take place in March as originally slated, with the event postponed until 18-21 November.
Formula 1, the Victorian Government, and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation announced the change, citing continuing international travel disruptions and Victorian quarantine requirements due to COVID-19.
The event was due to take place in March, however Melbourne will now host the third-last race of the 2021 season.
The 2020 Australian Grand Prix was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak - one of the first major events to fall victim to the pandemic.
The 2020 Australian Grand Prix was one of the first major events to be cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns. (Arun Clarke/Unsplash)
Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1, said “it has been a busy start to the year at Formula 1 and we are pleased to confirm that the number of races planned for the season remains unchanged.”
“The global pandemic has not yet allowed life to return to normal, but we showed in 2020 that we can race safely as the first international sport to return and we have the experience and plans in place to deliver on our season.
“It is great news that we have already been able to agree a rescheduled date for the Australian Grand Prix in November.
“We know our fans will be looking forward to the return of Formula 1 after the winter break and our revised season opener in Bahrain.
“Obviously, the virus situation remains fluid, but we have the experience from last season with all our partners and promoters to adapt accordingly and safely in 2021.”
The last time the Australian Grand Prix was held was March 2019. (Fox Sports)
Martin Pakula, Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, said “this is the right decision and we thank Formula 1 management for their co-operation in setting a new schedule for the 2021 season.”
“The Australian Grand Prix is one of the great events in the world and we’ll make sure it can be run safely and successfully in November.”
Paul Little AO, Chairman of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, said “we’re very excited to be able to confirm the rescheduling of the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix to 18-21 November 2021.”
“This wouldn’t have been possible without the strong support of the Victorian Government and Formula 1.
“As the third-last race of the season, this provides the opportunity to safely host what could be the championship-decider in Melbourne in the lead-in to summer.
“We’d like to thank our loyal motorsport fans and employees for their understanding in these challenging times.”
