The Australian Grand Prix, set to be held on 18 – 21 November, has been cancelled due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. The race held in Melbourne had already been moved from its usual position of the season opener back in March, with the hopes the drivers would get their chance to race the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit at a later date.
The Australian Grand Prix is one of the many races cancelled after originally being planned. So far this year, we’ve already lost Canada, Singapore and China to the Formula 1 calendar. It is expected that a race will replace the gap in the calendar but with it being so late in the season, expect no additional European races.
“We understand this is not the news MotoGP and Formula 1 fans wanted to hear.” said Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO, Andrew Westacott.
“I would like to extend my thanks to the Victorian Government, Formula 1® and Dorna Sports for their unwavering resilience and support during this challenging period, and for their ongoing commitment to these two great events.”
“There are bound to be ongoing challenges with COVID-19, but I want to reassure fans that while there is sadness and disappointment amongst our wonderful AGPC staff there is a tenacity and determination to make sure the next episodes of MotoGP at the island and Formula 1 at the new Albert Park layout are sensational showcases of how we do things in Victoria.”
Former Australian driver Mark Webber said he’s “shattered” at the news.
“I’m shattered that we can’t hold a Formula 1 event in Australia for another year. It’s a real shame as we’re world class at pulling these types of events off as an organisation.”
Current driver Daniel Ricciardo will miss out on his home Grand Prix for a second year in the row.
“It’s a huge disappointment for all of the drivers that we won’t be coming down to Australia in November, but we understand the reasons,” said Ricciardo.
“For me personally, I can’t wait to have the chance to race at home again, and it’ll be even sweeter when we do because it’s been so long. Fingers crossed things can change for 2022 and we get to see the awesome fans at Albert Park again and put on a good show for them.”
The Australian Grand Prix is not the only event to be cancelled, with the Victorian Government also cancelling the MotoGP race that was due to be held on 24 October.
