Imola, Portimao Tipped to Return as F1’s ‘Plan B’ for 2021

The coronavirus pandemic heavily disrupted the 2020 F1 season. Formula 1 had to postpone the season, a few races as Hamilton and Mercedes claimed another drivers’ and constructors’ world championship. The 2021 F1 calendar was first announced by Formula 1 in November.

F1 revealed a record-breaking 23 races for its 73rd championship schedule. Having hosted a championship successfully during the pandemic, Formula 1 has announced that the season will begin in March.

However, a recent report suggested that the usual season opener Australian GP is set to be postponed. The strict quarantine restrictions will see the Australian GP shift to a later part of the season, thus making Bahrain GP the season opener.

Meanwhile, Noemi de Miguel, the Spanish F1 reporter, has an update for the 2021 season.

“In plan B of the calendar of the 2021 F1 season, he contemplates delaying the tests, taking them to Bahrain, that the season begins there. From there to Imola (instead of China) and the April TBC to Portimao. All this provisional, I insist.”

A new circuit for 2021 F1 calendar

The 2020 Formula 1 season was a huge operational success. Amid the pandemic, F1 organized a 17-race season with six new tracks. For 2021 season, Formula 1 has confirmed another new night race for the season.

Formula 1 will have its first Saudi Arabian Grand Prix this season on November 5, a night race on the streets of Jeddah. The race circuit is on the corniche, overlooking the sea-front. Meredes boss Toto Wolff attended a Formula E race in Saudi Arabia and said, “impressed by the change that I’ve seen.”

“Excited to welcome Saudi Arabia to Formula 1 for the 2021 season and welcome their announcement following speculation in recent days,” announced the Formula 1 chairman and CEO, Chase Carey.

In October 2019, Formula 1 announced that they were working with the new circuit at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami to hold a race. However, no further details are made available.

2021 is the last season of the hybrid era as the world looks to recover from the pandemic. The grid has seen a significant shuffle with teams having new driver line ups. The longest Formula 1 season yet is surely expected to deliver another interesting and entertaining motor racing this year.