The Australian Grand Prix will most likely not return to its regular place as Formula 1’s season-opening race in 2022 after it was recently confirmed that the event was cancelled for the second year in a row.
The Albert Park circuit in Melbourne has held the first race of the championship in the majority of championships since Formula 1 first visited the track back in 1996. However the outbreak of the pandemic forced the cancellation of last year’s race two days before it was due to go ahead.
Covid-19 has thwarted efforts to hold this year’s race. Initially scheduled to take place at the start of the season on March 21st, it was then postponed by eight months due to the pandemic. Yesterday the government of the Victoria region confirmed this year’s race had been called off, leaving the 21st round on the schedule vacant.
While the event promoters are targeting a return to the calendar next year, the government’s sports minister Martin Pakula does not expect it will open the 2022 Formula 1 season.
“It’s unlikely to be the first race next year but, frankly, that probably suits us,” said Pakula, according to the Australian Associated Press.
The Bahrain International Circuit, which took over as the first round of this year’s championship, is considered the most likely alternative venue for the opening grand prix of 2022.
Extensive changes have been made to the Albert Park circuit, including the removal of the chicane at turns nine and ten, for F1’s eventual return.
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