Picture Credit: motorsportmagazine.com
Formula One confirmed on Tuesday that one of the most celebrated races of the calendar - Australian Grand Prix - has been cancelled for the second consecutive year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the number of cases in the country are quite low, the government has some strict travel restrictions in place which would have made it logistically very challenging to conduct the race. The F1 Australian Grand Prix 2021 was slated to take place at the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit from November 18-21 but will now have to be replaced.
Australian Grand Prix Corporation 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."
What are the possible replacement options?
As F1 confirmed in their official statement that they are looking to replace Australia with another venue to ensure that the historic number of 23 races happen this year. While MotoGP has confirmed that a second Portimao race will replace the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island on the calendar, F1 has the following options:
1. Malaysian GP (Sepang International Circuit)
2. Chinese GP (Shanghai International Circuit)
3. Sakhir GP (Bahrain International Circuit)
4. Double header in USA (Circuit of the America)
5. Double header in Belgium (Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps)