Rumor: Imola & Algarve front-runners to take open slot in 2021 F1 calendar

Years ago when Imola was a regular fixture on the F1 calendar the race was always in early May – weather wise a good time to hold the race. Therefore, it remains the front-runner to take the late April open slot in the provisional 2021 calendar.

The issue will be weather fans will be allowed this year. i.e. will enough people have been vaccinated by then, or will the spread be well under control.

Another circuit in the running to fill the slot is the Autodromo do Algarve in Portugal, but again, the financial arrangements will be critical. Which circuit can hold the race and not lose money.

2020 Portuguese Grand Prix, Sunday – LAT Images

Of course we know F1 makes so much money from their global TV deals, they really do not need any fans at the races and can simply rent tracks from track owners. Not ideal of course, but very doable.

Provisional 2021 Formula 1 Calendar

Round Grand Prix Venue Date
1 Australia Melbourne March 21
2 Bahrain Sakhir March 28
3 China Shanghai April 11
4 TBC TBC April 25
5 Spain* Barcelona* May 9
6 Monaco Monaco May 23
7 Azerbaijan Baku June 6
8 Canada Montreal June 13
9 France Le Castellet June 27
10 Austria Spielberg July 4
11 United Kingdom Silverstone July 18
12 Hungary Budapest August 1
13 Belgium Spa August 29
14 Netherlands Zandvoort September 5
15 Italy Monza September 12
16 Russia Sochi September 26
17 Singapore Singapore October 3
18 Japan Suzuka October 10
19 USA Austin October 24
20 Mexico Mexico City October 31
21 Brazil* Sao Paulo* November 14
22 Saudi Arabia Jeddah November 28
23 Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi December 5

*Subject to contract