Formula 1 delays start of 2021 season - News

After returning to action last year and keeping us sane throughout the chaos that the COVID-19 pandemic inflicted on the world, Formula 1 looked set to return to provide us with the exhilarating thrills we crave and love. However, it has now been revealed that we will have to wait slightly longer, after news broke yesterday that the upcoming 2021 season will be delayed due to strict ongoing restrictions in both China and Australia.

However, the good news from F1 bosses is that those races have not been cancelled, but merely rescheduled to host at a later date when restrictions will most likely have been eased slightly. The Australian Grand Prix is now confirmed to be pushed back until November 21st, however, there is yet to be confirmation of a new date for the Chinese Grand Prix.

This now means that Bahrain will host the opening race of the season, taking place on 28th March 2021. It also means that the F1 calendar will start a week later, but also end a week later to make up for the lost time. F1 have been extremely clear from the outset that they are passionate about keeping all 23 of this season’s races going, and we can see their desire to make good on this effort with the rescheduling.

Nevertheless, it’s still looking uncertain for the Chinese fans of F1, because their as yet confirmed slot is looking almost all but likely to be occupied by Portimão in Portugal, taking the place of Vietnam from last year, meaning there is a strong possibility that China will fail to get a slot unless another country drops out.

The F1 promoters have said they are in continuous “conversations” with the local government and authorities to try and reschedule the date, but the longer the delays persist, the less likely it is that Chinese fans will get to experience the F1 season in person this year.

However, we can all take solace in the fact that at least F1 is on our screens and keeping us occupied during such unprecedented times. And although COVID-19 was the focal point of 2020, making it one of the most unpredictable years ever - the F1 season provided many outstanding moments, most of all for the Grand Champ of last season, Mr Lewis Hamilton (soon to be Sir Lewis - read more on that here).

Although it’s delayed, here at Trackdays, we’re confident that this will just make the build up and buzz surrounding the new season that much greater, and we cannot wait to watch the sport once again and see how 2021 unfolds.