Formula 1 can today announce that the Australian Grand Prix will stay in Melbourne until 2035. The new ten-year agreement from 2025 will also see Formula 2 and Formula 3 join the race weekend schedule for the first time ever from 2023, providing even more racing action for fans to enjoy. The 2022 Grand Prix saw over 419,000 fans visit the Albert Park circuit for the race weekend, the largest crowd for a weekend sporting event in Australian history, cementing the much-loved status of the venue which has been on the Formula 1 calendar since the first race in Melbourne in 1996. Over the past two years the promoter has made significant investment to upgrade the circuit and will continue to improve the overall fan experience and facilities, including the paddock and pitlane, at the circuit over the coming years. This will enhance the fan experience but also modernise the facilities for the teams that will be essential for the smooth running of the event over the next decade. The date of the Grand Prix will be confirmed in due course and once the 2023 calendar is finalised it will be subject to World Motor Sport Council approval.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO, Formula 1: “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.”
Martin Pakula, Minister for Tourism, Sport & Major Events, Victorian Government: “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.”
Andrew Westacott, CEO of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation: “This is a sensational announcement that is simply great for Melbourne and Victoria. It builds on our rich motor sport 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 One Australian Grand Prix to new levels over the course of the next 13 years.”
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FIA Formula 2 and FIA Formula 3 to race in Melbourne from 2023
Following today’s Formula One announcement that the Australian Grand Prix will stay in Melbourne until 2035, the FIA Formula 2 and FIA Formula 3 promoters are delighted to announce that from 2023 both championships will feature the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne on their calendars, subject to World Motor Sport Council approval. The complete 2023 Formula 2 and Formula 3 calendars will be provided in due course,
also subject to WMSC approval.
FIA Formula 2 and Formula 3 CEO Bruno Michel: “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.”