Melbourne determined to 'safely host' November Aussie GP

Victoria's Minister of Sport saluted F1's decision to push the Australian GP back to November, a change that should allow organisers to run their event in a safe environment.

Formula 1 published on Tuesday a revised 2021 calendar that featured several changes. Both Australian and Chinese races are postponed, but Melbourne has been assigned a new date, November 21.

Current travel and mandatory quarantine restrictions in Australia due to the coronavirus pandemic are expected to remain in force for the forthcoming future, rendering F1's presence in Melbourne and the organization of the opening round of the 2021 season impossible.

"This is the right decision and we thank Formula 1 management for their co-operation in setting a new schedule for the 2021 season," said Martin Pakula, Victoria’s Minister for Sport.

"The Australian Grand Prix is one of the great events in the world and we’ll make sure it can be run safely and successfully in November."

F1 adds Imola to 2021 calendar - Australia and China postponed

Melbourne's new assigned slot on November 21 means the event could host a championship-decider race.

"As the third-last race of the season, this provides the opportunity to safely host what could be the championship-decider in Melbourne in the lead-in to summer," said Paul Little, Chairman of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation.

"We’d like to thank our loyal motorsport fans and employees for their understanding in these challenging times."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.