F1: Australian and Chinese GPs postponed as Imola returns… again

The season-opening Australian GP and the third round of the 2021 Formula 1 season in China have both been postponed because of coronavirus restrictions.

The proposed 23-race schedule has now been revised due to the logistical nightmare which would arise from the F1 circus entering either Australia or China at the moment.

The Australian GP, which was originally due to take place on 19-21 March, has now been rescheduled for 19-21 November, just before the season-ending double-header in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.

The races in the Middle East have had to be pushed back to accommodate the Australian GP with the season now set to end on 12 December.

Meanwhile, the Chinese GP was meant to be held from 9-11 April, but the race has now been postponed, but no replacement date has been announced. F1 is suggesting that talks with the Chinese authorities are still ongoing, but there is much scepticism within the paddock that even if there comes a point where a Chinese race could take place, finding a suitable place on the calendar will be tricky.

This now means that the Bahrain GP will host the season-opener in 2021 from 26-28 March. This will be the first time since 2010 that the Gulf State has got the F1 season underway.

After Bahrain, the circus will head to Imola on 16-18 April after the venue returned to the calendar for the first time since 2006 last year. The third round of the season has been scheduled for 2 May which is expected to be filled by the Portuguese GP at Portimao a week before the Spanish GP.

It is also worth noting that the street circuits in Monaco, Baku and Singapore could be under some question because of the necessary infrastructure that is required to host an F1 race. Although, they remain on the schedule for now.

In response to the changes, President and CEO of Formula 1 Stefano Domenicali said: “It has been a busy start to the year at Formula 1 and we are pleased to confirm that the number of races planned for the season remains unchanged.”

“The global pandemic has not yet allowed life to return to normal, but we showed in 2020 that we can race safely as the first international sport to return and we have the experience and plans in place to deliver on our season.

“It is great news that we have already been able to agree a rescheduled date for the Australian Grand Prix in November and are continuing 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 know 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 remains fluid, but we have the experience from last season with all our partners and promoters to adapt accordingly and safely in 2021.”

F1 has also expressed that they still expect fans to return to the grandstands and the paddock for the 2021 season. But with still ten weeks until the championship is set to kick into life, expect more announcements from F1 as the situation changes.

The current schedule for the 2021 season is as follows:

• 8 March – Bahrain (Sakhir)
• 18 April – Italy (Imola*)
• 2 May – TBC
• 9 May – Spain (Barcelona)
• 23 May – Monaco (Monaco)
• 6 June – Azerbaijan (Baku)
• 13 June – Canada (Montreal)
• 27 June – France (Le Castellet)
• 4 July – Austria (Spielberg)
• 18 July – United Kingdom (Silverstone)
• 1 August – Hungary (Budapest)
• 29 August – Belgium (Spa)
• 5 September – Netherlands (Zandvoort)
• 12 September – Italy (Monza)
• 26 September – Russia (Sochi)
• 3 October – Singapore (Singapore)
• 10 October – Japan (Suzuka)
• 24 October – USA (Austin)
• 31 October – Mexico (Mexico City)
• 7 November – Brazil (Sao Paulo)
• 21 November – Australia (Melbourne*)
• 5 December – Saudi Arabia (Jeddah**)
• 12 December – Abu Dhabi (Yas Island)

* Subject to confirmation by the World Motorsport Council

** Subject to circuit homologation