F1 Australian Grand Prix 2021

The temporary 5.303km Albert Park semi-street circuit provides a stern challenge for drivers who are forced to navigate bumps and cope with the ever-changing grip levels as the track rubbers in. It’s also one of the faster layouts on the calendar, with Lewis Hamilton’s 2018 pole lap set at an average of 235km/h.

Despite some protests, the deal to move the Australian GP to Albert Park was finalised in 1993, with the 16-turn circuit comprising a mixture of existing public roads as well as a car park. The first race in 1996 is remembered for an infamous incident on the opening lap in which Martin Brundle was vaulted into the air in his Jordan after colliding with Sauber’s Johnny Herbert.

While pre-season testing can offer hints and clues as to the expected pecking order, it’s not until the first grand prix is in the books that the picture becomes clearer.

The Australian Grand Prix 2020

Despite the best efforts of everyone involved, the 2020 edition had to be cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2019, Valterri Bottas started second but grabbed the lead off the line and never looked back, eventually winning by more than 20 seconds from teammate Lewis Hamilton, with Max Verstappen rounding out the top three for his first podium finish in Australia.

Unsurprisingly, it’s been a race that Mercedes have dominated in recent times, winning four of the last six and setting the tone for the season ahead. However, it is hoped that the relatively unchanged regulations for 2021 will have allowed other teams to close the gap at the front.

When is the 2021 Australian Grand Prix on the F1 calendar?
The Australian Grand Prix is scheduled to take place on the weekend of November 19-21 and is provisionally set to be the 21st race of the Formula 1 season. The first two free practice sessions will take place on November 19, with qualifying on Saturday, March 20 at 07:00 CET.

What time does the Australian Grand Prix start?
The Australian Grand Prix starts on Sunday, November 21 at 06:00 CET. The race can be followed live on RacingNews365’s blog and via television on Fox Sports Channels.