[ad_1]
Formula 1 has revealed a revised calendar for the 2021 season. The F1 calendar retains a record 23 races, but the 2021 season will now begin a week later with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 28, and the Australian Grand Prix. moving forward later in the year.
Due to current travel restrictions, the 2021 Chinese Grand Prix will not take place on schedule, and Imola will return to the F1 calendar in that space. Discussions with the promoter and authorities in China are ongoing, with the possibility of rescheduling the race later in the season if possible.
The TBC race on the calendar will be announced in due course and will take place on the new date of May 2.
The updated 2021 F1 racing calendar now looks like this:
- March 28 – Bahrain (Sakhir)
- April 18 – Italy (Imola *)
- May 2 – TBC
- May 9 – Spain (Barcelona)
- May 23 – Monaco (Monaco)
- June 6 – Azerbaijan (Baku)
- June 13 – Canada (Montreal)
- June 27 – France (Le Castellet)
- July 4 – Austria (Spielberg)
- July 18 – UK (Silverstone)
- August 1 – Hungary (Budapest)
- August 29 – Belgium (Spa)
- September 5 – Holland (Zandvoort)
- September 12 – Italy (Monza)
- September 26 – Russia (Sochi)
- October 3 – Singapore (Singapore)
- October 10 – Japan (Suzuka)
- October 24 – United States (Austin)
- October 31 – Mexico (Mexico City)
- November 7 – Brazil (Sao Paulo)
- November 21 – Australia (Melbourne *)
- December 5 – Saudi Arabia (Jeddah **)
- December 12 – Abu Dhabi (Yas Island)
* Calendar revisions are subject to approval by the World Motor Sports Council ** Subject to circuit approval
In 2020, F1 became the first truly international sport to reboot following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Although the experience gained and the safety measures put in place last year keep F1 in a good position for 2021, the current situation regarding Covid-19 has made it not feasible to start the season in Melbourne.
The good news, however, is that the Australian Grand Prix will take place from 18 to 21 November following an agreement between Formula 1 and the Australian authorities that shows the importance of the race in Australia for Formula 1 and its partners in Melbourne.
As previously stated, Formula 1 expects fans to return to the stands and the exclusive Paddock Club for the 2021 season.
“It has been a busy start to the year in Formula 1 and we are pleased to confirm that the number of races planned for the season remains unchanged,” said Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.
“The global pandemic has not yet allowed life to return to normal, but we proved in 2020 that we can run safely as the first international sport to return and we have the experience and plans to fulfill our season.
“It is great news that we have already been able to agree on a rescheduled date for the Australian Grand Prix in November and we continue to work with our Chinese colleagues to find a solution to race there in 2021 if something changes.
“We are very excited to announce that Imola will return for the 2021 season and we know that 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 is still fluid, but we have the experience of last season with all our partners and promoters to adapt accordingly and safely in 2021 ”.
