Melbourne agrees 10-year deal with F1 to host Australian Grand Prix

London, June 16 (BUS): The Australian Grand Prix will remain in Melbourne until 2035 after Formula 1 chiefs strike a new 10-year deal.

Racing in Albert Park has been a permanent fixture on the F1 calendar since 1996 – except for the 2020 and 2021 rounds being canceled amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The current Australian GP deal was due to expire in 2025, but despite a number of competing bids – which are understood to have included a bid from Sydney – F1 owners, Liberty Media, have signed a long-term deal to race in Melbourne, DPA reported.

This season’s event, held in April and won by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, drew 419,000 spectators – the largest weekend crowd in Australian history.

“I am pleased to confirm that Melbourne and Albert Park will remain on the Formula 1 calendar until 2035,” Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1: said.

“The race has always been a favourite for the fans, drivers and teams and Melbourne is a wonderful, vibrant international city and a perfect match for our sport.

“This year we have seen huge crowds and excited fans at the Grand Prix and we are very excited for the future in Australia as our sport continues to grow.”

The Australian Grand Prix has become the traditional custodian of the sport, but Bahrain has earned this honor over the past two years.

The Gulf kingdom is expected to host the first round of next season’s schedule, which could extend to a record 24 races – with Las Vegas confirmed for 2023 and the return of the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami as well.

The French Grand Prix at Circuit Paul Ricard will be dropped after next month’s race, while the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps is at risk.

FKN