The Albert Park Circuit; host of the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, has begun a major rebuild as it looks to get up to speed with the sport’s latest era.
The temporary, one-of-its-kind street circuit in Melbourne has been a mainstay on the F1 calendar since the 1996 season.
After a substantial period of playing second fiddle to the Bahrain International Circuit, the track has finally re-attained its place as the season-opener.
But by its own admissions, the facilities needed a huge upgrade – especially so with 2026 hosting 11 teams on the grid for the first time in a decade.
With Cadillac’s entry, the FIA was forced to decrease the pit-lane speed limit with the Albert Park facilities inept to handle the busier workload.
That said, the circuit organisers had promised upgrades, and it would appear that work has already begun.
Reports suggest that demolition of the trackside facilities and infrastructure is already underway with much attention on the pit building and surrounding areas.
F1 Australian GP sets deadline for $264 million upgrade
The circuit will hold the 2027 edition of the race, but work is expected to attain finality only towards the beginning of the following year’s race.
Estimates reckon the entire cost of upgrading the track facilities would cost upwards of $264 million.
“The new Melbourne Indoor Sports Centre will give the Albert Park community a bigger and better home for local sport, while delivering modern race facilities for the Australian Grand Prix,” said Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos.
“We’re investing in the future of the Australian Grand Prix so Melbourne can continue hosting this world-class event and showcasing Victoria to millions around the globe.”
In the recent past, the Circuit underwent a major layout change – with the removal of the Turn 9 and 10 chicane in favor of an elongated straight.
The current rule-set, however, with the immense harvesting demands meant the racing action has attracted criticism.
Would this prompt F1 and the FIA to consider further tweaks to the track layout for 2027 and beyond? Only time will tell.
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