The Australian Grand Prix will remain on the Formula 1 calendar until at least 2035, after striking a new deal which includes hosting season openers.
Formula 1 has announced a long-term extension with Melbourne, which will continue to host the Australian Grand Prix until at least the end of 2035.
The 2022 Australian Grand Prix which was the first event in Melbourne since 2019, drew over 419,000 fans over the weekend, making it the highest turnout for a sporting event in Australian history.
The present arrangement with Melbourne was set to expire in 2025, but on Wednesday night, a ten-year contract extension was announced. F1 will also bring its support race lineup of Formula 2 and Formula 3 to Australia for the first time as part of the new agreement.
“I am delighted to confirm that Melbourne and the Albert Park circuit will continue to be on the Formula 1 calendar until 2035,” said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. “The race has always been a favourite for the fans, drivers and the teams and Melbourne is an incredible and vibrant international city that is a perfect match for our sport.”
“This year we saw huge crowds and passionate fans at the Grand Prix, and we are very excited by the future in Australia as our sport continues to grow.”
“I want to thank the Victorian Government, Daniel Andrews, Premier of Victoria and Martin Pakula, Minister for Tourism, Sport & Major Events for their tireless support for the event in Melbourne, as well as Andrew Westacott and Paul Little from the AGPC for making this already long-term partnership secure for the future.”
“We are all looking forward to being back in Melbourne next season with all our fans.”
Australian GP CEO Andrew Westacott said: “This is a sensational announcement that is simply great for Melbourne and Victoria. It builds on our rich motor sport history as well as Melbourne’s love of big sporting events and provides aspiration to the next generation of Aussie racing stars.”
“We’re proud of our strong relationship with F1 and together we will grow the sport in Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region,” he continued.
“Everyone at the Australian GP Corporation looks forward to taking the F1 Australian GP to new levels over the course of the next 13 years.”
“The Australian Grand Prix has never been bigger, with more than 419,000 people flocking to Albert Park for this year’s race,” said Martin Pakula, Victoria’s Minister for Tourism and Sport.”
“We know how important this event is to our economy and that’s why we’ve delivered the longest extension for the race since it has been held in Melbourne.”
As a result of the new contract, local organisers will be able to work on renovating and improving Albert Park’s facilities. Despite the event being cancelled in 2020 and 2021 during the global pandemic, organisers had made significant changes to the track layout.
“Over the past two years the promoter has made significant investment to upgrade the circuit,” the official statement from F1 noted.
“[They] will continue to improve the overall fan experience and facilities, including the paddock and pitlane, at the circuit over the coming years.”
The Albert Park Circuit has hosted Formula One races since 1996, with the event only missing out on two occasions because to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The race date for the 2023 season will be announced as soon after the World Motor Sport Council finalises on the necessary arrangements.
