An Australian GP had planned to open the 2021 season on March 21 but strict quarantine restrictions mean a race is likely to be postponed until later in the year; A Bahraini GP was scheduled for the first race on March 28th
With Matt Morlidge and Craig Slater
Last updated: 04/01/21 2:24 pm
The Formula 1 2021 season with an Australian GP is unlikely to begin as planned, with the scheduled opening race set to be postponed.
Following a riot in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Australian GP Albert Park – who was sidelined last year – was set to embark on the 2021 race-high season on 21 March.
But Sky Sports understands that it is now to be postponed until later in the year due to strict new quarantine restrictions in Melbourne.
The Bahrain GP, ready for March 28, is set to replace Australia as season opener.
Melbourne is preparing to hold its first major international event in nearly a year in February with the Australian Open tennis tournament, and the Victorian government has made 14-day quarantine mandatory for all workers.
It is believed that F1 would be governed by the same rules – and a Grand Prix would be inevitable in those situations.
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Apparently two weeks quarantine for F1 workers had to travel three weeks before the race date, and the same three-day pre-season test at F1 is currently set for March 2-4.
An official delay appears to have been postponed, meaning a Bahraini GP is likely to open the campaign. The Bahhir Sakhir tour hosted two of the last three races of 2020 without issue.
“In 2020 we proved we could return to racing safely and delivered what many thought was impossible in March,” F1 said in a statement.
“We have launched our 2021 calendar and look forward to returning F1 in March this year. “
What would a delay mean for the F1 2021 calendar?
After somehow removing a 17-race calendar from July to December last year, a tumultuous start to the 2021 season was the last thing F1 would have wanted – and the Australian sport proved to be a person. -the season opens just a few weeks ago.
F1 is believed to have been confident that the race would be possible in March because of the way local government has handled the pandemic so far, and confident in their own biosphere-based protocols that have worked so well. in 2020.
But a two-week quarantine would not be feasible for any of his 23 races, the most in an F1 season in the sport’s history.
Last year’s Melbourne event was postponed just before rehearsal on Friday, removing a number of cancellations and cancellations – although F1 is confident they will not be repeated in 2021.
A bigger concern is how they would respond to a reorganized Australian GP in the already crowded 2021 calendar.
F1 is likely to have to wait until after the August holidays due to the weather in Australia. The second half of the season begins with two three-part heads – the first in Belgium, the Netherlands and Italy, and another in Russia, Singapore and Japan, separated by a week-long break.
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A free weekend continues in October ahead of back races in the United States and Mexico, with Brazil a fortnight later on November 14th. The Middle East double is then headed to end the campaign with races in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi on November 28 and December 5.
The 2021 question mark is still around the fourth race – or third race if Australia is postponed – of the season with Vietnam’s rematch yet to be confirmed.
Imola is currently their favorite to put the April 25 slot on the calendar.
The Sakhir season opener could also move a pre – season trial – currently set for Barcelona – to Bahrain to help with travel concerns. It could also be pushed back closer to the March 28 race date.