A Double-Header in Bahrain or Return to Malaysia? Assessing F1’s Options After Australian GP’s Cancellation

The entire F1 fandom had been looking forward to the Australian Grand Prix this season after missing out in 2020. The circuit also underwent major tweaking to its layout in order to improve racing.

However, despite the efforts, confirmation arrived that Albert Park will not be hosting the race this season. And yet again, fingers have been pointed towards the ongoing pandemic and logistical issues that follow.

Of course, this isn’t the first Grand Prix that bowed out of the 2021 season, with Singapore, Canada, and several other countries joining the list. And this certainly isn’t the last Grand Prix to pull out, as more countries are likely to follow Australia’s traits.

We regret to announce the #AusGP will drop from the 2021 calendar

We have a number of options to fill the place left vacant – which will be worked through in the coming weeks – but we are all sad to miss the fans in Australia this year#F1 pic.twitter.com/VPQmKDwYDW

— Formula 1 (@F1) July 6, 2021

Now, the biggest concern is whether F1 is prepared for the worst scenarios. Let’s take a look at some of the feasible options.

Eifel Grand Prix at Nurburgring

This is quite an interesting option for F1 and far more practical, considering the cars went racing on this very circuit last season. The 2020 Eifel Grand Prix was quite entertaining, with spins and collisions and quite a lot of overtaking.

What’s more, it isn’t just about the actions on the track that can be interesting, but also the weather. Nurburgring holds one of the most unpredictable weather, with the FP1 in 2020 showing how intense conditions can turn out.

Rains along with fog engulfed the circuit, forcing F1 to call off the first practice session. Eventually, the same story followed over FP2 as well, leaving the drivers with a lot to do in FP3, consequently upping the excitement for the fans.

Sakhir F1 Grand Prix at Bahrain

Who could ever forget this race, which made its debut last season? From Sergio Perez‘s first F1 race win to George Russell’s biggest heartbreak, the race had everything.

The circuit has 3 massive straights and abundant overtaking opportunities for the drivers. These factors ultimately ended up showcasing an unpredictable F1 race in 2020.

Formula One F1 – Sakhir Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – Racing Point’s Sergio Perez sprays sparkling wine as he celebrates winning the race on the podium with third placed Lance Stroll Pool via REUTERS/Giuseppe Cacace

Also, things have changed since then, with the mid-field pack much closer to the top-field. Hence, the likelihood of witnessing another exciting race over this 3.5 km long circuit is very much high this time around.

Bahrain also seems more feasible, considering the next two races will be taking place in Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia, which makes traveling much easier.

German Grand Prix at Hockenheim

Hockenheim hosted its final F1 race in 2019, which ended up being one of the most exciting races of that season. This left the fans red-faced over F1’s decision to leave Hockenheim out of the contention for 2020.

It’s hard to imagine a more chaotic race than yesterday’s #GermanGP. More on what happened in Hockenheim at https://t.co/CJ2jemkmTz #F1 #Formula1 pic.twitter.com/JULKXCANG1

— SingaporeGP (@F1NightRace) July 29, 2019

Well, looking at how this season is unfolding, the return of Hockenheim cannot be denied; F1 is steadily running out of options for replacements, and might soon have to chase after circuits that looked rather improbable of making a comeback anywhere in the near future.

Well, in that case, we would like to add another circuit to this list. And a return of this particular Grand Prix will definitely put up a smile on everyone’s faces.

Malaysian F1 Grand Prix at Sepang

Sepang circuit has undeniably produced incredible F1 racing over the years. The circuit offers abundant overtaking opportunities; not to forget the appealing back-straight and the main straight. However, the decline of ticket sales and incline of cost of hosting an F1 race forced the Grand Prix to bow out of F1 following the 2017 season.

id like to see a comeback for Malaysia for the 4th round. Its such a great track and lots of ovetake opportunities. #F1 pic.twitter.com/AjA0pDDR3L

— Filippos McLaren (@F1lippos) November 10, 2020

Hence, when it was revealed that 2017 would be the swansong of Sepang, there was massive hate from the fans.

Now, 3 seasons have gone by without witnessing F1 cars racing around this high-speed circuit. But, will 2021 affirm the return of Malaysian GP? Well, let’s hope so.

Overall, which circuit do you think will make its comeback to the racing calendar this season, with more Grand Prix, feared to back out as the season progresses?

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