F1 2021 calendar update: Qatar GP likely to replace cancelled Australian GP in NOV: Report

Due to Coronavirus pandemic, several F1 races have been cancelled or postponed over last two seasons. latest race to be scrapped off this season was Japanese Grand Prix. Japanese GP joined Cana, Singapore and Australia in list of races that have been formally dropped from F1 2021 calendar. As a result of se cancellations, F1 is looking at several options to replace such races in second half of season. It seems that F1 officials have alrey found a replacement for Australian Grand Prix that was originally scheduled for November 21, as reports suggest that Qatar GP will replace it.

Qatar GP set to replace Australian GP for F1 2021 calendar

If Qatar GP does indeed replace currently scheduled Australian GP, it will be first time country will host a race in an F1 calendar. Qatar's Losail International Circuit holds an FIA Gre 1 license, which is required to hold F1 races. While circuit is famous for holding MotoGP races, it has also held World Superbike and World Touring Car Championship rounds.

dition of Qatar to F1 2021 calendar will help season have multiple races in middle east towards end of year. F1 will first travel to Saudi Arabia on December 5 and Abu Dhabi on December 12 to end season. Meanwhile, Grand Prix in Mexico and Brazil are still in doubt. Meanwhile, Austin, which is set to host a doubleheer in October, is also experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations. While unexpected issues may arise for different races scheduled over year, F1 fans will be delighted to know that as things stand,  Belgian GP will take place this weekend after a month-long summer break.

F1 2021 calendar: Belgian GP schedule

Friday, August 27

Free Practice One: 3:00 PM IST to 4:00 PM IST

Free Practice Two: 6:30 PM IST to 7:30 PM IST

Saturday, August 28

Free Practice 3: 3:30 PM IST to 4:30 PM IST

Qualifying: 6:30 PM IST to 7:30 PM IST

Sunday, August 29

Main Race: 6:30 PM IST to 8:30 PM IST