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Australia’s Formula One Grand Prix is postponed for eight months due to Covid lockdown restrictions
- The Formula One event was scheduled to be held in Melbourne on March 18 to 21
- Due to the evolving coronavirus pandemic, it will be held on November 18-21
- F1 bosses and the government couldn’t come to an agreement over quarantine
The Australian Grand Prix will be delayed by eight months as coronavirus puts the brakes on the iconic car racing event.
The Formula One event was scheduled to be held in Melbourne‘s Albert Park on March 18 to 21, but will instead take place on November 18-21 due to the evolving pandemic.
Formula One Management on Tuesday night said the race was postponed due to the ‘continuing international travel disruptions and other matters related to coronavirus’.
The Formula One event was scheduled to be held in Melbourne on March 18 to 21, but will instead take place on November 18-21 to avoid spreading the virus
Formula One Management on Tuesday night said the race was postponed due to the ‘continuing international travel disruptions and other matters related to coronavirus’
‘The ongoing situation regarding COVID-19 has meant it is not feasible to begin the season in Melbourne,’ it said in a statement.
It’s believed F1 executives and the Victorian Government couldn’t come to an agreement regarding quarantine arrangements for international drivers and entourages, the Herald Sun reports.
Sports Minister Martin Pakula said it was ‘the right decision’ to reschedule and the event will be run safely in November.
Australian Grand Prix Corporation chairman Paul Little said the race being held later in the year could create anticipation and greater interest.
‘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,’ he said.
The pandemic has disrupted the F1 season two years running. Last year’s race in Australia was canceled after one team member tested positive for the coronavirus.
Fans were preparing to enter the circuit for Friday practice when organisers announced the cancellation.
That started a cascade of postponements and cancellations which meant the rescheduled 2020 season didn’t start until July. There was a compressed 17-race schedule through December with all races in Europe or the Middle East.
Lewis Hamilton will kick off his championship defence in Bahrain on March 28 before the circus heads to Europe for a race in Imola on April 18.
It is expected Portimao in Portugal will then host the third round on May 2 before the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona a week later.
Australia’s new date of November 21 means the season will be extended by one week, with the campaign closing in Abu Dhabi on December 12.
Australian Grand Prix Corporation chairman Paul Little said the race being held later in the year could create anticipation and greater interest
