What are F1's options to replace the Australian Grand Prix?

For the second year running, F1 has been forced to cancel the Australian Grand Prix due to coronavirus restrictions, leaving the sport searching for the magical 23rd race to add to the calendar.

In a statement, F1 said: “While it is disappointing we won’t be racing in Australia this season, we are confident we can deliver a 23-race season in 2021 and we have a number of options to take forward to replace the place left vacant by the Australian Grand Prix."

But at first glance, there do not appear to be a wealth of choices available to take over from the Melbourne event. Here are what we believe to be the leading candidates.

Sakhir Grand Prix - Bahrain International Outer Circuit

The most likely option to fill the void would be a return to the sub-60 second outer layout at the Bahrain International Circuit.

A return would be much simpler than going to China, for example, with the knowledge that F1 has successfully completed three events in the Middle-Eastern country in a 12-month period.

What will help the viability of a race at the circuit is the fact the event we witnessed last year at 'the outer loop' delivered excitement and surprise, so an easy plus point for any return.

Bahrain has been added to the UK's red travel list since the opening race of the season, however, to overcome such an issue it could form a triple-header with Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi that currently stand as a season-ending double-header.

Chinese Grand Prix - Shanghai

The race at the Shanghai International Circuit was postponed for the second time since the Covid-19 pandemic struck last year, but has yet to be officially cancelled.

With the importance of the Chinese market to F1, the sport will no doubt be eager to ensure the event is held this year if at all possible - and the emergence of Guanyu Zhou at Alpine would surely be of interest to both parties.

Current restrictions, according to the Chinese government, state that no direct flights from the UK can enter China, while there is a 14-day quarantine period upon arrival from any country.

As with Australia, it means the likelihood of this option going ahead is receding with each passing day as a decision does need to be made relatively quickly.

Saudi Arabia/Abu Dhabi triple-header

Two races that remain on the calendar could offer another triple-header ending to the championship.

Both countries are known to be financially fruitful for F1 so a second race at either circuit would make sense from that point of view.

Theoretically, the calendar may have to shift slightly as the Australian Grand Prix was meant to be a stand-alone event on November 19-21.

Malaysian Grand Prix - Sepang

Not too far away from Australia, Malaysia could be an option for a return. November is part of the country's rainy season, however, so that may prove a factor.

The track was a favourite on the schedule for almost 20 years and there would be plenty of F1 fans happy to see this circuit make a comeback, especially with the two long straights that tend to offer plenty of overtaking opportunities.

Travel to Malaysia is prohibited for all British nationals, although exemptions do apply so F1 could wrangle its way into the country should both parties wish to pursue a race at Sepang, whilst the UK government only lists the country as amber.

An outside chance - not likely but possible.

Thai Grand Prix - Chang International Circuit

For a real outside bet, as in will never happen but it is an FIA grade one track so is technically an option, then look no further than a trip to Thailand.

The Chang International Circuit has the necessary licence to host an F1 race, again is in the right part of the world if you are looking to fill the Australian gap and could be a new market for F1.

The Buriram-based venue was designed by Hermann Tilke and currently hosts MotoGP races, with this year's event slated for October.

Thailand is also on the amber list for travel, but the country's restrictions are slightly more difficult. Any travellers must seek permission from the Royal Thai Government, and then upon arrival quarantine in a state facility.

Whether this could be bypassed by F1 is another question. Other than these five rather slim options, it doesn't seem to be a full basket to pick from for the sport to try and reach a 23-race calendar.

A second race in the United States is feasible but the weather for mid-November in either COTA or the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which has recently made noises about a return, would appear to preclude these from being options.

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