Facts about Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit changes

Centre line: 5.303 km
Racing line: 5.259 km

Thursday, 1 April 2021

The F1® track will have a new layout in 2021.

The Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix is undergoing its biggest change in 2021, with seven corners at the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit being modified and two removed entirely.

The new Albert Park layout will enable more overtaking opportunities and promote faster and more competitive racing at the F1® track in Melbourne.

The works will also deliver a range of community benefits, aligned with Parks Victoria’s Albert Park Master Plan, including increased lakeside parkland, additional on-street parallel parking, enhanced cycling corridors, improved lighting, and new cycling criterium loops.

Summary of Albert Park 2021 Circuit Changes:

Chicane removed to create a straight, creating the possibility of a fourth DRS zone at Albert Park.

Realignment of Ross Gregory Drive and slight extension of Lakeside Drive to create a tightened corner (between Turns 13 and 14).
Widening of corner by 3 metres (to the drivers’ right).
Camber adjustment.

The average F1® qualifying lap time decreases by approximately 5 seconds, from 1m 21.0s to 1m 15.8s.
The average F1® qualifying speed increases by 15 km/h, from 236 km/h to 251 km/h.
The simulated top F1® qualifying speed is approximately 330 km/h into the current Turn 11 (assuming the fourth DRS zone is ratified).
The largest speed change on the circuit is at Turn 6, where there will be an approximate 70 km/h difference in minimum speed through the corner in F1® qualifying, from 149 km/h to 219 km/h.
The highest g-force on the circuit is on the entry to the current Turn 11 during F1® qualifying at 5.4 g.
There is the potential for a fourth DRS zone on the back straight – this is subject to FIA approval and is anticipated to be formalised mid-year.
It is likely the Albert Park circuit will reduce from 16 to 14 turns – this is subject to FIA approval and is anticipated to be formalised mid-year.