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The Australian Grand Prix will remain on the Formula 1 calendar until at least the end of the 2035 season and feature Formula 2 and Formula 3 for the first time from 2023.
Melbourne signed a deal until the end of 2025 back in 2019, and this latest agreement that adds an additional 10 years gives Melbourne the second-longest deal on the F1 calendar, only behind the Bahrain GP.
The news comes after Melbourne recorded a weekend attendance in excess of 400,000 – according to F1’s data – as it returned to the F1 calendar in 2022 after a two-year COVID-induced hiatus.
While there was a rival bid from Sydney, Melbourne was chosen to remain as the Australian GP venue until at least the end of 2035.
“I am delighted to confirm that Melbourne and the Albert Park circuit will continue to be on the Formula 1 calendar until 2035,” F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said.
“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.”
The Albert Park circuit underwent track changes for its 2022 return and further work will be completed following the new deal, including renovations to the circuit’s paddock and pitlane – as part of an effort to “modernise the facilities for the teams that will be essential for the smooth running of the event over the next decade”.
The official date for the 2023 race is yet to be confirmed but it’s unlikely to be the season-opener as it was from the inaugural race in Melbourne in 1996 to 2019 – bar two occasions.
Next year’s schedule could be as long as 24 races with the addition of Kyalami marking the return of the South African Grand Prix.
