F1 is already forced to shake up its 2021 calendar
Covid-19 has not stopped giving headaches to the organizers of international championships. Thus, F1 is forced to modify its calendar even before the start of the season. Australia is now scheduled for November, while Imola reappears on the calendar.
This time, it wasn’t necessary to wait just an hour before the start of the season to cancel the Australian Grand Prix. While last year, F1 was forced to cancel everything at the very last moment, this time it is taking the initiative. Another difference, the Australian Grand Prix is not canceled but postponed. In order not to disrupt everything and to give itself the maximum chances, the race down under is now scheduled for November 21.
This will lead the teams to go through a triple header, United States, Mexico, Brazil, before heading to Australia, then proceeding with a back-to-back Saudi Arabia – Abu Dhabi. After the summer break, there will be no less than 12 races in 16 weeks.
Another announced change is that China no longer has a guaranteed spot on the calendar as current travel restrictions do not allow for travel to Shanghai. While it is stated that everything will be done to regain a spot, no date has been provided, suggesting that the event may once again not take place simply because there are few dates available where it would be feasible.
To compensate, F1 began recalling the circuits that allowed the 2020 season to take place. First on the list is Imola. The Italian circuit is now scheduled for April 18. There is still one race to be announced, planned for May 2. Given its proximity to the Barcelona date, we can assume that Portimao and Portugal will be the lucky choices, as last year’s debut was a success.
The 2021 calendar modified on January 12, 2021
Date Country Circuit
March 28 Bahrain Sakhir
April 18 Italy Imola
May 2 To be announced
May 9 Spain Barcelona
May 23 Monaco Monaco
June 6 Azerbaijan Baku
June 13 Canada Montreal
June 27 France Le Castellet
July 4, Austria, Spielberg
July 18 – Great Britain – Silverstone
August 1, Hungary, Budapest
August 29 Belgium Spa-Francorchamps
September 5, Netherlands, Zandvoort
September 12 Italy Monza
September 26 Russia Sochi
October 3, Singapore, Singapore
October 10 Japan Suzuka
October 24 United States Austin
October 31 Mexico Mexico City
November 7 Brazil Sao Paulo
November 21 Australia Melbourne
December 5 Saudi Arabia Jeddah
December 12 Abu Dhabi Yas Marina
