Decision looms on F1 Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park

The future of Melbourne’s Formula One Grand Prix hangs in the balance after Covid fears forced Singapore to axe its event.

The 2-19 Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park. Picture: Getty Images

The Victorian government is poised to make a call on the viability of the delayed Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix within weeks following the cancellation of the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix.

The Sunday Herald Sun has learned the Australian Grand Prix Corporation has submitted its Covid-19 safe plans to the state government and a decision on whether to stage the race on November 21 will be made by the end of the month.

The Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne after the 2020 GP was cancelled. Picture: Getty Images

Last year’s March 15 Formula 1 GP race in Melbourne at the Albert Park circuit was abandoned after a member of the McLaren Racing Team tested positive for Covid-19.

Concerns for the viability of the Australian GP have escalated after the cancellation of the October 3 Singapore F1 Grand Prix because of “ongoing safety and logistic concerns brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic”.

Singapore race authorities said “we would not be able to deliver a full event experience fans have come to expect over the years, while safeguarding the health and safety of our fans, contractors, volunteers and staff. Ultimately, we have to be responsible, cautious and prudent as safety is our number one concern”.

A spokesperson for Victoria’s major events minister Martin Pakula told the Sunday Herald Sun the decision by Singapore race authorities “is not particularly relevant to our situation”.

“Planning for the GP is a complex matter involving multiple parties including the GP Corporation , Formula 1 management and the Commonwealth Government.

“The health of Victorians remains the key factor in all this and we will have more to say at the appropriate time”.

Originally published as Decision looms on F1 Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park