Formula One season to start in Bahrain as Australian and Chinese Grands Prix postponed

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Lewis Hamilton’s quest for a record eighth world title has been delayed after Formula 1 bosses announced today that the season-opening Australian Grand Prix would be pushed back until November.

Instead, the 2021 season will begin with an opening race in Bahrain on March 28, while the original third grand prix on the calendar in China has also been postponed because of coronavirus restrictions.

The Australian Grand Prix had been expected to be shifted because of growing concerns in Melbourne about hosting the race early in the year, and today it was confirmed it would move to November 21 instead.

It is unclear, however, if a revised date for the Chinese Grand Prix – previously planned to take place on April 11 – can be accommodated on an already packed racing calendar after organisers revealed over the weekend they were unable to host the race as planned.

Despite the revised dates, Formula 1 bosses intend to keep a proposed 23-race calendar for the ensuing season and it is thought that a revised China date would only be possible should another race be forced to cancel.

F1 president Stefano Domenicali said: “We are pleased to confirm that the number of races planned for the season remains unchanged.

“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 to 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 Chinse colleagues to find a soluation to race there in 2021 if something changes.

“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.”

As a result of a shift of the Australian Grand Prix, the race in Brazil has moved to November 7, while the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix will now take place on December 5 and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will bring the curtain down on the season a week later than previously anticipated on December 12.

In other changes, the vacant grand prix slot on April 18 has been filled by a race at Imola while the May 2 race is expected to take place in Portimao after the Portuguese venue hosted a race in 2020.

When the Bahrain Grand Prix gets under way, Hamilton will be bidding for the outright record of F1 world titles after equalling Michael Schumacher’s current best of seven last season.

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