The @ausgrandprix cancelled for second-year running. #F1 #AusGP
Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2019 Race Start, Albert Park Street Circuit, Albert Park, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Image credit to EFE. Australian GP cancelled.
Australian GP cancelled: The Australian Grand Prix Corporation along with the Victorian Government and Formula 1 today announced that the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2021 has been cancelled due to the restrictions and logistical challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2021 was set to be held at the Albert Park Street Circuit in Melbourne, Australia from November 18-21.
Tickets for the event had not gone on sale to the public.
Cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park was expected in a campaign that had continued to be adapted on the fly due to the coronavirus pandemic situation evolving.
Last year’s event was also cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 plague, with the decision being made last minute before cars were sit to hit the Albert Park Street Circuit for Free Practice 1 on March 13.
The Albert Park Grand Prix circuit is also currently undergoing a circuit layout change to increase speeds and encourage more overtaking.
Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Andrew Westacott stated:
“We understand this is not the news MotoGP™ and Formula 1® fans wanted to hear.”
“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.” Credit to Australian Grand Prix for the quote.
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali added:
“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.” Credit to Australian Grand Prix for the quote.
McLaren Racing’s Daniel Ricciardo explained:
“It’s a huge disappointment for all of the drivers that we won’t be coming down to Australia in November, but we understand the reasons.”
“For me personally, I can’t wait to have the chance to race at home again, and it’ll be even sweeter when we do because it’s been so long. Fingers crossed things can change for 2022 and we get to see the awesome fans at Albert Park again and put on a good show for them.” Credit to Australian Grand Prix for the quote.
The Australian Grand Prix Corporation will continue to work with Formula 1 and the Victorian Government on the 2022 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar timings for the 2022 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix event.
