Fears Australian Grand Prix could shift date due to COVID restrictions

Melbourne’s upcoming Formula 1 Grand Prix could be postponed due to Australia’s tough COVID-19 restrictions, according to reports.

Concerns were mounting late on Monday night that Melbourne’s upcoming Formula 1 Grand Prix could be postponed.

Motorsport.com reported the race, which is scheduled for March 18-21, was in danger of being moved to later this year.

The report listed Australia’s tough COVID-19 restrictions — which require international travellers to quarantine for two weeks — as a key issue troubling administrators trying to decide whether to run the event in its traditional slot.

Spectators react after it was announced that the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2020 was cancelled at the the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, Friday, March 13, 2020. Picture: AAP Image/Scott Barbour

No official announcement for Melbourne’s event has been made.

A Victorian government spokesman told the Herald Sun: “Discussions between the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, the government and Formula One management about the Formula One calendar for 2021 are ongoing.

“As part of those discussions, the government will continue to prioritise public health considerations while protecting our major events calendar.”

The event requires a large number of international travellers to run.

The Australian Grand Prix opens the Formula 1 season, with 23 international races on this year’s calendar.

The main straight of the track after the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2020 was cancelled i 202. 2021 may be postponed. Picture: AAP Image/Scott Barbour

Construction is yet to start on the track, and tickets are not yet on sale.

Last year’s event was cancelled on the morning of the practice session on March 13, as the pandemic started to spread across the globe.

Dramatic scenes followed as crowds of people were told about the cancellation as they lined up to get in.

The two-week quarantine period was also a key restriction that had to be resolved ahead of the Australian Open, with both parties eventually coming to an agreement to push the event back to February 8.

Under the plan, players will be able to train while serving their mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine before taking part in the tournament.

Tennis fans will also be zoned in three pockets of Melbourne Park.