Dominic Perrottet, Premier of New South Wales in Australia, has criticised Formula 1 for extending its deal with Melbourne until the end of 2035.
From next year, the two main feeder series to F1, Formula 2 and Formula 3, will be heading down under to contest support races in Melbourne, while the pinnacle of motorsport will continue to head there until at least 2035 in a mega new deal for the circuit.
Around 419,000 fans attended the Australian Grand Prix this year following its two-year absence from the calendar due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is “delighted” that the race will be sticking around for another 13 races.
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“I am delighted to confirm that Melbourne and the Albert Park circuit will continue to be on the Formula 1 calendar until 2035,” said the Italian, quoted by Formula1.com.
“The race has always been a favourite for the fans, drivers and the teams and Melbourne is an incredible and vibrant international city that is a perfect match for our sport.
“This year we saw huge crowds and passionate fans at the Grand Prix, and we are very excited by the future in Australia as our sport continues to grow.”
With more and more venues around the globe showing an interest in hosting an F1 race, Perrottet was hoping to bring a grand prix to Sydney, and he affirms that it is the sport’s loss for not taking him up on his offer.
“It’s a loss for the F1. That’s all I can say, we obviously engaged with Formula 1 in relation to it,” he remarked, quoted by Sky Sports Australia.
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“It’s going to probably be a disappointing event now for years to come until it comes to its rightful place in Sydney.”
Melbourne is generally seen as one of the great sporting cities in the world, with the F1 track, the Melbourne Victory football stadium, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, among many other iconic venues all situated there.
Perrottet, however, sees Sydney as Australia’s “true only global city.”
“Obviously the Formula 1 is a global event and we’re Australia’s truly only global city so I think in time the F1 will work that out but, look, good luck to Melbourne,” added the 39-year-old.
This year’s race in Australia was the 25th to be held in Melbourne since its arrival onto the calendar in 1996, and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc walked out the winner with a dominant performance.