A revised calendar for the 2021 season has been revealed by Formula 1. The F1 schedule retains a record 23 races, but the 2021 season will now start a week later with the Bahrain Grand Prix slated for March 28th, and the Australian Grand Prix moving later in the year.
Formula One (also known as Formula 1 or F1) is the highest class of international auto racing for single-seater racing cars sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). The series is owned by Liberty Media, an American mass media company controlled by its Founder and Chairman John C. Malone, through its wholly owned subsidiary, the Formula One Group.
Due to the ongoing travel restrictions in place for the devastating form of COVID-19, the 2021 Chinese Grand Prix will not take place on its planned date, with Imola (Italy) returning to the F1 calendar in that slot. Talks are on with the promoter and authorities in China, with the potential to reschedule the race later in the season if possible.
The ‘to be confirmed’ (TBC) race in the calendar will be announced in due course of time and will take place on the new date of May 2nd.
Updated 2021 F1 race calendar
- March 28th – Sakhir (Bahrain)
- April 18th – Imola* (Italy)
- May 2nd – TBC
- May 9th – Spain (Barcelona)
- May 23rd – Monaco (Monaco)
- June 6th – Baku (Azerbaijan)
- June 13th – Montreal (Canada)
- June 27th – Le Castellet (France)
- July 4th – Spielberg (Austria)
- July 18th – Silverstone (United Kingdom)
- August 1st – Budapest (Hungary)
- August 29th – Spa (Belgium)
- September 5th – Zandvoort (Netherlands)
- September 12th – Monza (Italy)
- September 26th – Sochi (Russia)
- October 3rd – Singapore (Singapore)
- October 10th – Suzuka (Japan)
- October 24th– Austin (USA)
- October 31st – Mexico City (Mexico)
- November 7th – Sao Paulo (Brazil)
- November 21st – Melbourne* (Australia)
- December 5th – Jeddah** (Saudi Arabia)
- December 12th – Yas Island (Abu Dhabi)
*Revisions to calendar are subject to World Motor Sport Council approval **Subject to circuit homologation.
In 2020, F1 became the first truly international sport to restart following the outbreak of coronavirus which still has the world in its fatal grip. Although the experience gained and safety measures established last year hold F1 in good stead for 2021, the present grim situation due to the new virus strain translates into the fact that it is not feasible to begin the season in Melbourne.
The Australian Grand Prix will now take place from November 18th-21st following an agreement between Formula 1 and the Australian authorities that shows the importance of the race in Australia to Formula 1 and their partners in Melbourne.
Formula 1 is still keeping its fingers crossed as regards the return of fans to the grandstands and the exclusive Paddock Club for the 2021 season.
“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,” stated Stefano Domenicali, President-cum-CEO, Formula 1.
Added Domenicali, “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 to 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,” the head honcho concluded.
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