Melbourne could lose a historic status in Formula 1. A major change is looming for the 2027 season.
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The Australian Grand Prix seems set to give up its place as the opening round of the world championship from 2027 onwards. Despite recent statements from its director Travis Auld, who promised to “make things difficult” for its competitors, the trend has clearly reversed in recent weeks.
Several Australian media now indicate that Bahrain should take over this strategic role, with a first race scheduled as early as mid-March. This development would relegate Melbourne to third place on the F1 calendar, ending a tradition deeply rooted in the modern history of Formula 1.
Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in a position of strength
This upheaval is no coincidence. The Bahrain Grand Prix benefits from a much more favorable logistical context, notably due to its proximity to the winter testing and the calendar adjustment for the month of Ramadan. In 2027, the end of this period in early March opens an ideal window to start the season in the Gulf.
In this scenario, Saudi Arabia could also fit into this dynamic by hosting the second round, forming a coherent regional sequence before the move to Australia. Melbourne, despite its iconic status, is thus penalized by external constraints that are difficult to circumvent.
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Long considered the unmissable season opener, the Australian event had already lost this privilege between 2021 and 2024, when Bahrain took over. Melbourne’s return as the opener in 2025 and 2026 will ultimately have been just a parenthesis.
A preserved status… but under conditions
Between 1995 and 2019, only a handful of exceptions prevented the Albert Park circuit from opening the season. This gradual setback confirms a strong trend: Formula 1 now favors logistical, climatic, and commercial criteria over historical traditions.
However, not all is lost for Melbourne. Under its current contract, the Australian race must host at least five season openers between 2025 and 2035. This therefore leaves the door open for a return as the inaugural round in the coming years.
Meanwhile, Formula 1 continues to reshape its calendar according to its global priorities. And in this new logic, even the most iconic events are no longer untouchable.
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