Australian Grand Prix officially cancelled for 2021

The 2021 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix has officially been cancelled due to the restrictions and logistical challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Australian Grand Prix has been cancelled. (LAT Images)

The Albert Park race had already been postponed, and was due to take place on the new dates of November 18-21.

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) also announced that the 2021 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix would not take place this year.

The 2020 Australian Grand Prix was one of the first global events to be cancelled due to the pandemic, with gates closing just hours before on-track sessions were due to begin.

Melbourne's spot on the F1 calendar appears safe for now, with organisers saying that discussions are ongoing regarding the 2022 timings for each event.

F1 teams and event staff would have had to undergo the mandatory two-week quarantine period to enter Australia, similar to athletes and staff at the Australian Open.

It proved a challenge too difficult considering Australia's current entry restrictions and arrival caps, conditions Formula 1 and MotoGP promoters Dorna were evidently not willing to accept.

Lewis Hamilton on the parade lap before the 2019 Australian Grand Prix. (Paul Ripke)

AGPC Chairman Paul Little AO said “we’re deeply disappointed that for a second consecutive year, both MotoGP and Formula 1 fans won’t be able to see the world’s best riders and drivers compete at the wonderful Phillip Island and Albert Park Grand Prix Circuits.”

“We appreciate the challenge Australia faces with current international travel restrictions and the importance of vaccinations.”

“I would like to reassure our motivated and professional staff, suppliers and partners, as well as the Victorian tourism and major events community that we will work tirelessly to deliver these iconic events in 2022.”

The 2021 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix has also been cancelled. (Gold & Goose/Red Bull Content Pool)

“We understand this is not the news MotoGP and Formula 1 fans wanted to hear,” said AGPC CEO Andrew Westacott.

“I would like to extend my thanks to the Victorian Government, Formula 1 and Dorna Sports for their unwavering resilience and support during this challenging period, and for their ongoing commitment to these two great events.”

“There are bound to be ongoing challenges with COVID-19, but I want to reassure fans that while there is sadness and disappointment amongst our wonderful AGPC staff there is a tenacity and determination to make sure the next episodes of MotoGP at the island and Formula 1 at the new Albert Park layout are sensational showcases of how we do things in Victoria.”

Valtteri Bottas, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen on the Australian Grand Prix podium in 2019. (Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool)

Formula 1 CEO, Stefano Domenicali said “while it is disappointing we won’t be racing in Australia this season, we are confident we can deliver a 23 race season in 2021 and we have a number of options to take forward to replace the place left vacant by the Australian Grand Prix."

"We will be working through the details of those options in the coming weeks and will provide further updates once those discussions are concluded.”