Formula One May See a Different Albert Park Circuit in 2021

The opening round of the 2020 Formula One season is set to get underway in Australia, in March. However, it has transpired that the paddock could meet a different Albert Park Circuit in the following year. This is because, resurfacing work will take place at ahead of the 2021 event, as well as layout changes.

Ever since it joined the F1 circus in 1996, there have rarely been any changes to the circuit. This is largely because the roads used are open to the public for the remainder of the year.

Earlier, the Albert Park venue penned a contract to host the Australian Grand Prix until 2025. However, the circuit will soon be resurfaced, ahead of the 2021 event. This is because the Australian Grand Prix Corporation spoke to F1 about changing the layout to improve the quality of racing.

However, neither party will make a final decision until the 2020 Australian Grand Prix gets underway in March. AGPC CEO Andrew Westacott confirmed the news when he spoke to Motorsport.com.

Why is there talk of altering the Formula One circuit?

According to Westacott, the idea is to evolve the track to ensure that the changes to the cars are reflected in changes to the track.  He said, “That’s all work in progress. We’ll probably know, realistically, at event time more about timelines and when the works are likely to happen – whether it will be in the next 12 months or the next 24 months.”

The Australian was silent on the nature of the changes, but firmly ruled out following Zandvoort’s example. In other words, there will be no banked corners incorporated into the circuit.

He insisted that they should not diminish the Formula One circuit’s character and consider that the track goes around a lake. There are also playing fields, which generate massive revenues. This is especially at Turns 1 and 2 and Turns 15 and 16, so the geography of the circuit must be considered.