P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The Australian Grand Prix at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne is poised to return to its traditional opening slot
F1 fans remember the tradition of the season-opener in Melbourne, starting in 1996 at Albert Park shortly after Adelaide’s exit in 1995. Bahrain has hosted recent openers, but Ramadan’s timing in 2025 may change that. The 2025 F1 calendar is set to be released earlier than usual, with Australia likely opening on March 9, followed by the Chinese Grand Prix. A hectic triple-header will follow with Japan, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. Albert Park’s contract extends through 2037, with growing attendance figures and recent record-breaking numbers. The Australian GP has become a significant event, with the 2022 race hosting over 419,000 fans and setting attendance records in subsequent years. In 2023, over 444,000 spectators attended, and this year, the event reached 452,055 attendees. Max Verstappen’s early retirement led to a Carlos Sainz victory in this year’s race, marking a remarkable turn of events.
