Formula One announced on Wednesday that they have extended their contract with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) that will see Melbourne host Formula One races until 2035.
Speaking about the news, Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali said:
I am delighted to confirm that Melbourne and the Albert Park circuit will continue to be on the Formula 1 calendar until 2035. 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. I want to thank the Victorian Government, Daniel Andrews, Premier of Victoria and Martin Pakula, Minister for Tourism, Sport & Major Events for their tireless support for the event in Melbourne, as well as Andrew Westacott and Paul Little from the AGPC for making this already long-term partnership secure for the future. We are all looking forward to being back in Melbourne next season with all our fans.
Formula One made its first trip to Melbourne’s Albert Park in 1996 and speaking about the new agreement, Martin Pakula, Minister for Tourism, Sport & Major Events, Victorian Government, said:
“The Australian Grand Prix has never been bigger, with more than 419,000 people flocking to Albert Park for this year’s race. We know how important this event is to our economy and that’s why we’ve delivered the longest extension for the race since it has been held in Melbourne.”
Andrew Westacott, CEO of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, said:
“This is a sensational announcement that is simply great for Melbourne and Victoria. It builds on our rich motor sport history as well as Melbourne’s love of big sporting events and provides aspiration to the next.
generation of Aussie racing stars. We’re proud of our strong relationship with Formula 1 and together we
will grow the sport in Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region. Everyone at the Australian Grand Prix.
Corporation looks forward to taking the Formula One Australian Grand Prix to new levels over the course of the next 13 years.”