Bahrain Grand Prix to be the Formula One season opening race for 2021

Formula One has revealed a revised calendar for the 2021 season. The F1 schedule retains a record 23 races, but the 2021 season will now start a week later with the Bahrain Grand Prix on 28 March 2021, with the Australian Grand Prix moving to later in the year.

Due to the ongoing travel restrictions in place, the 2021 Chinese Grand Prix will not take place on its planned date of 18 April 2021, with Imola returning to the calendar to replace it. Discussions with the relevant parties in China are ongoing, with the potential to reschedule the race later in the season if possible.

In 2020, Formula One became the first truly international sport to restart following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the experience gained and safety measures established hold Formula One in good stead for 2021, the ongoing COVID-19 situation has meant it is not feasible to begin the season in Melbourne.

The Australian Grand Prix will now take place from 18 November 2021 to 21 November 2021, following an agreement between Formula One and the Australian authorities that shows the importance of the race in Australia to Formula One and its partners in Melbourne.