Formula 1 Australian GP 2021: Bad news for fans, Australian Grand Prix & Moto GP cancelled due to Covid-19 – The Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) in conjunction with the Victorian Government and Formula 1® today announced the 2021 Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix has been cancelled due to restrictions and logistical challenges relating to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Australian round of the MotoGP world championship, scheduled for 24 October, has also been cancelled.
The 2021 Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix was due to be held at the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit from 18-21 November.
Tickets for the event had not gone on sale.
Formula 1 Austrian GP 2021: AGPC will continue to work with Formula 1® and the Victorian Government regarding the 2022 calendar timings for the Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix event.
Quotes attributable to Australian Grand Prix Corporation Chairman, Paul Little AO
“We’re deeply disappointed that for a second consecutive year, both MotoGP™ and Formula 1® fans won’t be able to see the world’s best riders and drivers compete at the wonderful Phillip Island and Albert Park Grand Prix Circuits.”
“We appreciate the challenge Australia faces with current international travel restrictions and the importance of vaccinations.”
“I would like to reassure our motivated and professional staff, suppliers and partners, as well as the Victorian tourism and major events community that we will work tirelessly to deliver these iconic events in 2022.”
Quotes attributable to Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO, Andrew Westacott
“We understand this is not the news MotoGP™ and Formula 1® fans wanted to hear.”
“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.”
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Quote attributable to Formula 1® CEO, Stefano Domenicali
“While it is disappointing we won’t be racing in Australia this season, we are confident we can deliver a 23 race season in 2021 and we have a number of options to take forward to replace the place left vacant by the Australian Grand Prix. We will be working through the details of those options in the coming weeks and will provide further updates once those discussions are concluded.”
Quote attributable to Australian Formula 1® great and AGPC Board Member, Mark Webber AO
“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.”
Quotes attributable to current Australian Formula 1® McLaren driver, Daniel Ricciardo
“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.”
Formula 1 Austrian GP 2021: “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 round of the MotoGP world championship, scheduled to take place at Phillip Island, has also now been called off for a second consecutive year.
In the official statement, the organisers said, “The ongoing pandemic and resulting travel complications and logistical restrictions mean it has not been possible to confirm the viability of the event at this time, and it will therefore not feature on the 2021 calendar.”
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