The new Formula One season will start a week later than scheduled with the Bahrain Grand Prix kicking things off instead of the Australian Grand Prix.
The 2021 season will get underway on March 28th after the Australian and Chinese Grands Prix were postponed because of COVID-19 restrictions.
Australia and China were due to host events on the first and third weekends of the new season but F1 bosses have decided to start with the second race in Bahrain at the end of March.
2021 CALENDAR UPDATE
🇧🇭 Season starts in Bahrain 26-28 Mar
🇦🇺 Australia moves to 19-21 Nov
🇮🇹 Imola returns 16-18 Apr; China discussions ongoing
Dates of Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi races all change#F1 pic.twitter.com/4QoP0gKKsA— Formula 1 (@F1) January 12, 2021
"It has been a busy start to the year at Formula 1 and we are pleased to confirm that the number of races planned for the season remains unchanged," said Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.
"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 the 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 Chinese colleagues to find a solution to race there in 2021 if something changes.
"We are very excited to announce that Imola will return for the 2021 season and know our fans will be looking forward to the return of Formula 1 after the winter break and our revised season opener in Bahrain.
"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."
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