The Albert Park circuit is getting a makeover
Initially scheduled as the opening Grand Prix of the 2021 season, the organizers of the Australian Grand Prix will take advantage of its postponement to carry out work on the track.
Formula 1 cars will return to the Albert Park track on the weekend of November 21st, but it will be different from previous years. Indeed, construction work discussed for several years will finally take shape, a first since its appearance on the calendar in 1996.
Strategic moves in anticipation
The wall along the starting line will be moved back two meters to increase the speed of the F1 cars from 60 km/h to 80 km/h in the pit lane. If a pit stop used to cost around thirty seconds in recent years, the increase in speed in the pit lane will significantly alter race strategies.
A faster sequence in turns 9 and 10
This is the major change made to the Albert Park circuit: the removal of the chicane at turns 9 and 10, replaced by a much faster left-right sequence. While speed will be the focus in this second sector, the drivers’ skill will also be put to the test. The F1 cars will reach turns 11 and 12 much faster, even though the 2021 regulations have mandated a reduction in aerodynamic downforce on the cars.
Slight banking at turn 13
The F1 cars will therefore arrive with high speed into this turn 13, which will feature banking as well as a wider entry. The organizers are thus aiming to enhance the spectacle by encouraging drivers to approach this turn with different trajectories and speeds.
Other work will take place after the 2021 Grand Prix, the circuit will be entirely resurfaced with a more aggressive coating, potentially forcing teams to make an additional stop.
