Australian GP won't replace Bahrain as 2027 F1 opener
Summary
Melbourne has ruled out stepping in as the 2027 F1 season opener if Bahrain can't host, citing scheduling clashes and pit building works. The race stays as round three and will host its first Sprint.
Australian Grand Prix organisers have ruled out replacing Bahrain as the 2027 season-opener. The Melbourne race is locked into its April 1-4 slot as round three, with the season beginning with a Middle East double-header in March.
Why it matters:
Uncertainty from the Iran War has cast doubt on Bahrain and Saudi Arabia hosting the opening rounds. Melbourne, a natural replacement, can't move due to scheduling and infrastructure constraints.
The details:
- The 2027 calendar has Bahrain and Saudi Arabia on March 12-19 and 19-21, Melbourne on April 1-4.
- MCG clash: Australia hosts England in a 150th anniversary Test at the MCG, near Albert Park, March 11-15.
- Pit building: Not fully operational until 2028; partial facilities only for 2027.
- CEO Travis Auld: "Our date's been locked in now... I think it would be difficult for us to move that date now."
- Auld: F1's contract places Melbourne between race one and three. "We've had race one the last two years... this year it will be race three."
What's next:
Melbourne will also host its first Sprint race in 2027. Auld said they lobbied aggressively for it, with Sprint weekends boosting viewership by 10-12%. "Fans enjoy sprint qualifying three times more than free practice."
Original Article :https://racingnews365.com/australian-gp-addresses-possibility-of-hosting-2027-f1...