Formula 1 has revealed a revised calendar for 2021, which has seen the Australian Grand Prix moved from March 21 to November 19-21.
The season-opener of the 2020 season was cancelled just hours before the start of practice one following Mclaren's withdrawal due to positive COVID-19 cases.
The outbreak led to a delayed July start, as races were forced to be centred around European tracks.
With strict travel and COVID controls still in place within Australia, this has forced a change to the initial 2021 schedule, with the Bahrain Grand Prix set to open the 2021 calender on March 28.
The #AusGP 2021 has been postponed & will not occur in March.
— F1 Australian Grand Prix (@ausgrandprix) January 12, 2021
For the first time, @Melbourne will now host the third-last race of the #F1 season in November. https://t.co/tf4WuvRJHw
This will mean the Australian Grand Prix will now take place from the 18th-21st November after extensive discussions between the Victorian Government and F1 officials.
“It has been a busy start to the year at Formula 1 and we are pleased to confirm that the number of races planned for the season remains unchanged,” said Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1 said in a statement.
“The global pandemic has not yet allowed life to return to normal, but we showed in 2020 that we can race safely as the first international sport to return and we have the experience and plans in place to deliver on our season.
“It is great news that we have already been able to agree a rescheduled date for the Australian Grand Prix in November and are continuing to work with our Chinese colleagues to find a solution to race there in 2021 if something changes.
“We are very excited to announce that Imola will return for the 2021 season and know our fans will be looking forward to the return of Formula 1 after the winter break and our revised season opener in Bahrain.
"Obviously, the virus situation remains fluid, but we have the experience from last season with all our partners and promoters to adapt accordingly and safely in 2021.”
Along with this, the 2021 Chinese Grand Prix will not take place on its planned date due to the ongoing travel restrictions in place, with legendary Italian track Imola returning to the F1 calendar in that slot.
With the Grand Prix cancelled, Sandown will now host the second round of the 2021 Supercars Championship, with Supercars officials assessing the potential to race in the rescheduled November slot.
"We are delighted to confirm we will return to Sandown in 2021,” Supercars CEO Sean Seamer said.
"Few circuits demonstrate our history better than Sandown.
"We'd like to extend our thanks to the Victorian Racing Club for their support and flexibility.
"With regards to the Grand Prix, we will assess the opportunity closer to the time."