Formula 1 to race in Melbourne’s Albert Park until 2035

Formula 1 will return to Melbourne’s Albert Park for at least another 13 years in a major boost for sport in the Victorian capital.

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Formula 1 will return to Australia for at least another 13 years, with the annual race’s agreement extended by a decade.

On Thursday morning AEST, F1 confirmed the Australian Grand Prix would remain in Melbourne until 2035 in a major boost for sport in the Victorian capital.

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This year’s Australian Grand Prix saw more than 419,000 fans walk through the gates at Albert Park, making it the largest crowd at a weekend sporting event in the country’s history.

Additionally, Formula 2 and Formula 3 events will be included in the race weekend schedule for the first time from 2023.

Stefano Domenicali, president and chief executive of Formula 1, said in a statement: “I am delighted to confirm that Melbourne and the Albert Park circuit will continue to be on the Formula 1 calendar until 2035. The race has always been a favourite for the fans, drivers and the teams and Melbourne is an incredible and vibrant international city that is a perfect match for our sport.

“This year we saw huge crowds and passionate fans at the Grand Prix, and we are very excited by the future in Australia as our sport continues to grow. I want to thank the Victorian Government, Daniel Andrews, Premier of Victoria and Martin Pakula, Minister for Tourism, Sport & Major Events for their tireless support for the event in Melbourne, as well as Andrew Westacott and Paul Little from the AGPC for making this already long-term partnership secure for the future. We are all looking forward to being back in Melbourne next season with all our fans.”

Over the past couple of years, several renovations have been made to Albert Park, which has hosted the Australian Grand Prix since 1996, including improvements to the circuit, fan experience and facilities.

Martin Pakula, Minister for Tourism, Sport & Major Events, Victorian Government, said in a statement: “The Australian Grand Prix has never been bigger, with more than 419,000 people flocking to Albert Park for this year’s race. We know how important this event is to our economy and that’s why we’ve delivered the longest extension for the race since it has been held in Melbourne.”

Australian Grand Prix Corporation chief executive Andrew Westacott said: “This is a sensational announcement that is simply great for Melbourne and Victoria. It builds on our rich motorsport history as well as Melbourne’s love of big sporting events and provides aspiration to the next generation of Aussie racing stars. We’re proud of our strong relationship with Formula 1 and together we will grow the sport in Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Everyone at the Australian Grand Prix Corporation looks forward to taking the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix to new levels over the course of the next 13 years.”

Bruno Michel, chief executive of both F2 and F3, said, “I am extremely happy to add Melbourne to both F2 and F3 calendars from 2023.

“It further enhances the international aspect of both our championships, having them race on a new continent.

“It also shows that more and more circuits believe that F2 and F3 are an added value to the Formula 1 Grand Prix experience, showcasing the next generation of drivers.”

Originally published as Formula 1 to race in Melbourne’s Albert Park until 2035