Formula 1 season 2021 could be delayed with Australian Grand Prix opener in doubt

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The coronavirus pandemic looks set to delay the start of the 2021 Formula 1 season, with officials in Australia admitting on Tuesday that talks were being held about the viability of the race going ahead as planned. 

Albert Park in Melbourne is set to host the start of Lewis Hamilton’s title defence on March 21 but doubts have now been raised amid strict protocols around Covid-19. 

There are suggestions that instead Bahrain will host race one on the calendar on March 28 with the Australian Grand Prix shifted to later in the year. 

A spokesman for the Victoria state government said: “Discussions between the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, the government and Formula 1 management about the Formula 1 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.” 

On Monday, a spokesman for Formula 1 had said: “We have set out our 2021 calendar and look forward to the return of F1 in March this year,” although did not specify whether that would be in Australia or Bahrain. 

Meanwhile, the Australian Grand Prix Corporation said of the scheduled March 21 date, “Further detail will be provided upon finalisation of arrangements with all parties in the coming weeks.” 

Last year’s race was axed when a member of the McLaren team tested positive for Covid, and the season’s start was eventually delayed until July before Hamilton sealed a record-equalling seventh world title. 

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