FORMULA ONE will be racing the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne until 2035, it has been announced.
Albert Park has become one of F1's most beloved venues since its switch from Adelaide in 1996.
However, there were fears it could lose its place on the F1 calendar following amid uncertainty over Covid.
But this year's race managed to go ahead and now F1 have announced that a new ten-year agreement has been reached.
By the time the deal comes to a close, F1 would have been racing in Melbourne nearly 40 years.
The surface was relaid and tweaks were made to sector two ahead of the 2022 race.
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But plans are in the pipeline to further modernise the circuit.
This includes updating the paddock and pitlane, with more modern facilities for the teams.
More work will also be done to improve the overall fan experience and facilities.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said: "I am delighted to confirm that Melbourne and the Albert Park circuit will continue to be on the F1 calendar until 2035.
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“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 (419,000 fans over the race weekend made the 2022 Australian GP the largest sporting event in Australian history), 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.”
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