The Australian Grand Prix, a longstanding motor racing event, is contracted to host Formula One until 2035. Its history dates back to 1928 when it was first held at Phillip Island. The race became a part of the Formula One World Championship in 1985. While it has been hosted at 23 different venues throughout its history, it has been held at Melbourne's Albert Park Circuit since 1996, except in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to Melbourne, Adelaide served as the host city.
An event named the Australian Grand Prix is held at the Goulburn Racecourse, featuring a series of sprints. However, this event is not widely recognized as the official start of the Australian Grand Prix.
The inaugural Australian Grand Prix, known as the 100 Miles Road Race, takes place at the Phillip Island road circuit in 1928. Arthur Waite, driving a modified Austin 7, emerges victorious.
The race held at the Phillip Island road circuit is officially designated as the Australian Grand Prix for the first time.
Bugatti cars showcase their dominance by securing four consecutive victories in the Australian Grand Prix from 1929 to 1932.
The final Australian Grand Prix at the Phillip Island circuit takes place, marking the end of an era for the iconic track.
A special Australian Grand Prix-style event is organized in Victor Harbor, South Australia, to commemorate the state's centennial.
The Australian Grand Prix is revived and held at the newly opened Mount Panorama circuit, which would go on to become one of the world's most famous race tracks. Englishman Peter Whitehead claims victory in the event.
After a hiatus due to World War II, the Australian Grand Prix resumes at Mount Panorama. A rotational system is established, with the race being hosted by different Australian states.
Doug Whiteford drives a Talbot-Lago Formula One car to victory, signaling the growing influence of Grand Prix machinery in the Australian Grand Prix.
Lex Davison wins his first of four Australian Grand Prix titles, driving a Jaguar-powered Formula 2 HWM. Notably, this year marks the first time the race is held on the streets surrounding Albert Park Lake in Melbourne.
Jack Brabham achieves his first Australian Grand Prix victory at the Port Wakefield Circuit in South Australia, driving a rear-engined Cooper T40 Bristol. This win marks a turning point as the first time a rear-engined car wins the Grand Prix.
The Australian Grand Prix welcomes a contingent of European teams and drivers, including the legendary Stirling Moss, who goes on to win the race in a Maserati 250F. This event further elevates the international profile of the Australian Grand Prix and inspires a new era of racing in the region.
The British Racing Motors (BRM) Grand Prix team embarks on a tour of Australia, further fueling the growing interest in Formula One racing in the region. This tour plays a pivotal role in the establishment of the Tasman Series, a prestigious racing championship held in Australia and New Zealand.
The Tasman Series, featuring top Formula One teams and drivers from Europe and the Southern Hemisphere, commences. This series ushers in a golden age for motorsports in Australia and New Zealand, with the Australian Grand Prix serving as a highlight event.
The popularity and technological advancements fostered by the Tasman Series contribute to what is considered Formula One's "return to power" in 1966. The lessons learned and innovations developed during the Tasman Series have a significant impact on the global Formula One landscape.
The Lotus-Cosworth emerges as a formidable force in Formula One, challenging the dominance of established teams. This development marks a shift in the balance of power within the sport.
From 1968 to 1993, Cosworth, with funding from Ford, played a pivotal role in designing and building engines.
Jim Clark, a two-time Formula One World Champion, secures a memorable victory at the Australian Grand Prix held at Sandown Raceway. Tragically, this win would be Clark's last major victory before his untimely death.
New Zealand racing driver Chris Amon dominates the final Tasman Series race at Lakeside Raceway, securing a 1-2 finish for Ferrari. This event marks the end of the Tasman Series, concluding a significant chapter in Australian and New Zealand motorsport history.
Jack Brabham won the Formula One Grand Prix in 1970.
In 1976, the Australian Grand Prix became a stand-alone race once more, separating from the Tasman Series. This marked a significant moment in Australian motorsports, as the Grand Prix established its own identity.
Warwick Brown emerged victorious in the 1977 Australian Grand Prix, adding his name to the prestigious list of winners. Brown's victory highlighted the competitiveness and unpredictability of the race.
Australian driver and 1980 Formula One World Champion Alan Jones competed in his home Grand Prix, adding local star power to the event. Jones' participation highlighted the global appeal of the Australian Grand Prix.
Marking a pivotal moment in Australian motorsports history, Formula One returned to the Australian Grand Prix in 1980. The event, held at Calder Park Raceway, featured a diverse field of Formula One, Formula 5000, and Formula Pacific cars, showcasing a blend of international and local talent.
Alain Prost won the Australian Drivers' Championship race in 1982, driving a Formula Pacific Ralt RT4.
Future four-time World Champion Alain Prost showcased his exceptional skills by winning the 1982 Australian Grand Prix, which was dominated by Formula Pacific cars. Prost's victory foreshadowed his future dominance in Formula One.
In a testament to the growing global recognition of Australian motorsports, the Australian Grand Prix was listed as a reserve race in the 1982 Formula One calendar. Although it did not host a race that year, the inclusion as a reserve demonstrated the increasing prominence of the event.
While attempts to bring the Formula One World Championship to Melbourne were unsuccessful, Sandown Raceway successfully attracted a round of the prestigious World Sportscar Championship in 1984. The upgraded track hosted this international event, solidifying its place on the global motorsports stage.
The Australian Grand Prix was held in Adelaide from 1985, marking the beginning of its tenure as the host city.
The Australian Grand Prix becomes a part of the Formula One World Championship, marking a significant milestone in the race's history.
The Australian Grand Prix reached a historic milestone in 1985 by becoming a round of the FIA Formula One World Championship. Hosted on the challenging Adelaide Street Circuit, the event marked Australia's official entry into the pinnacle of motorsports.
In a thrilling debut as part of the Formula One World Championship, the 1985 Australian Grand Prix saw Keke Rosberg claim victory in a dramatic race. Rosberg's win in the last race of the season marked a fitting end to his Formula One career.
Alain Prost achieved victory at the Australian Grand Prix in Adelaide in 1986, marking his first Formula One win at the event.
The 1986 Australian Grand Prix witnessed a dramatic championship showdown, with Alain Prost ultimately securing the title. Nigel Mansell's unfortunate tire failure paved the way for Prost's victory, adding to the race's long history of unpredictable outcomes.
The 1987 Australian Grand Prix saw Gerhard Berger claim victory for Ferrari, while Ayrton Senna, who finished second, was disqualified due to technical irregularities. The disqualification promoted Berger's teammate, Michele Alboreto, to second, securing a Ferrari 1-2 finish.
Alain Prost secured his second Formula One victory at the Australian Grand Prix in Adelaide in 1988.
The 1988 Australian Grand Prix, the final race of the turbo era, was won by Alain Prost, securing his seventh victory of the season. This race marked a dominant period for McLaren-Honda, with 15 wins and 15 pole positions out of 16 races.
The 1989 Australian Grand Prix was marred by heavy rain and controversy following the previous race in Japan. Despite the treacherous conditions, Ayrton Senna, fueled by the recent events at Suzuka, started the race with determination. However, his lead was cut short by a crash, ultimately handing the championship to Alain Prost.
The 1990 Australian Grand Prix, marking the 500th World Championship race, was filled with excitement. Ayrton Senna, despite leading for a majority of the race, suffered a gearbox failure. The race culminated in a thrilling battle between Nelson Piquet and Nigel Mansell, with Piquet ultimately claiming victory.
The 1991 Australian Grand Prix, held in extremely wet conditions, was cut short after 14 laps, with Ayrton Senna declared the winner. This race holds the record for the shortest ever Formula One race until the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix.
The 1992 Australian Grand Prix witnessed a collision between Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell, leading to Mansell's retirement from the race and Formula One. Gerhard Berger went on to win the race.
In December 1993, after efforts by businessman Ron Walker and the Kennett government, it was announced that Melbourne would host the Australian Grand Prix, moving from Adelaide to a rebuilt Albert Park Circuit.
The 1993 Australian Grand Prix marked Ayrton Senna's 41st and final victory, as well as Alain Prost's last race in Formula One. This race was also significant for the announcement of the Australian Grand Prix's move to Melbourne in 1996.
The era of Cosworth and Ford's involvement in engine design and construction came to an end in 1993.
The 1994 Australian Grand Prix was marked by a controversial crash between Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill, resulting in Schumacher winning the championship. Nigel Mansell, returning to Formula One, won the race, becoming the oldest Grand Prix winner since 1970.
After a decade of thrilling races, the Adelaide Street Circuit bid farewell to Formula One in 1995. The challenging and popular circuit left a lasting legacy on the sport, remembered for its demanding layout and memorable moments.
In 1995, Mika Häkkinen suffered a severe crash during qualifying due to a tyre failure, requiring an emergency cricothyroidotomy by Sid Watkins. He recovered and returned to racing in 1996. Damon Hill won the final F1 race in Adelaide, finishing laps ahead of Olivier Panis after most rivals, including Schumacher, retired.
The 1995 Australian Grand Prix marked the end of Adelaide's tenure as the host city.
The last Australian Grand Prix held in Adelaide in 1995 holds the record for the highest attendance, surpassing any Melbourne race.
Bernie Ecclestone, president of Formula One Management, swiftly secured a deal for Melbourne to host the Australian Grand Prix from 1996. This move was partly attributed to Melbourne losing the bid for the 1996 Olympics to Sydney (host of the 2000 Olympics). This shifted the Australian Grand Prix from its traditional slot as the last event on the F1 calendar to an early-season race.
In 1996, Mika Häkkinen returned to Formula One racing after recovering from his severe accident at the 1995 Australian Grand Prix.
The 1996 Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park gained instant notoriety when Jordan's Martin Brundle was involved in a dramatic first-lap crash. Brundle's swift return to the pits for the spare car added to the spectacle. Damon Hill, driving for Williams, emerged victorious in the race.
The 1996 Australian Grand Prix marked the first time the race was held in Melbourne and the first time it served as the season opener.
The Australian Grand Prix debuted at Albert Park, a 5.3 km, 16-turn circuit combining public roads and a car park. The event drew 401,000 spectators and was lauded for its organization, earning Melbourne the F1 Constructors' Association Award for best-organized Grand Prix in 1996 and 1997.
The Australian Grand Prix finds a new home at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, where it has been held annually since, except for 2020 and 2021.
The Australian Grand Prix moved to Melbourne in 1996, sparking controversy. The "Save Albert Park" group protested, arguing the race privatized public space, wasted funds, and offered exaggerated economic benefits. Organizers and the government countered that the benefits outweighed costs, highlighting improved park facilities like the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.
The Australian Grand Prix was moved to Melbourne in 1996.
The first Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park took place in 1996, marking a shift from Adelaide.
The period between 1997 and 2003 marked the beginning of a collaboration with Ilmor for engine development.
Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 World Champion, made his Formula One debut at the 1996 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, securing pole position in his first race.
Melbourne received the F1 Constructors' Association Award for the best-organized Grand Prix for the second consecutive year, recognizing the successful execution of the event at the Albert Park circuit.
David Coulthard secured McLaren's first victory in 50 races at the 1997 Australian Grand Prix.
Eddie Irvine secured his first-ever Formula One victory at the 1999 Australian Grand Prix, driving for Ferrari. This also marked Ferrari's inaugural win at the Melbourne circuit.
Sydney hosted the Summer Olympics in 2000, an event that Melbourne had unsuccessfully bid for.
Fernando Alonso and Kimi Räikkönen both made their Formula One debuts at the 2001 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
Michael Schumacher won the 2001 Australian Grand Prix, but the event was marred by the tragic death of marshal Graham Beveridge. He was fatally struck by debris from a collision involving Ralf Schumacher and Jacques Villeneuve.
Australian driver Mark Webber made his Formula One debut at the 2002 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
Despite a first-lap crash involving several cars, Michael Schumacher dominated the 2002 Australian Grand Prix to claim his third consecutive victory in Melbourne. The race was notable for Australian Mark Webber's impressive fifth-place finish on his Formula One debut, driving a Minardi.
David Coulthard won the 2003 Australian Grand Prix, driving for McLaren, in a race marked by changing weather conditions.
The collaboration with Ilmor for engine development concluded in 2003.
Ferrari showcased their dominance at the 2004 Australian Grand Prix, with Michael Schumacher securing a commanding victory and Rubens Barrichello finishing second. Schumacher set a new lap record during practice, highlighting Ferrari's superior pace.
The 2005 Australian Grand Prix recorded a significant attendance, which served as a benchmark for subsequent years.
To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, Mark Webber drove his Williams F1 car across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The city also hosted a parade of Formula One and Supercars machinery.
Giancarlo Fisichella, driving for Renault, emerged victorious in the 2005 Australian Grand Prix. The race was marked by unpredictable conditions, with a storm during qualifying shaking up the grid. Fisichella's teammate, Fernando Alonso, and Rubens Barrichello both charged through the field to join him on the podium.
A cost-benefit analysis conducted for the Auditor-General in 2005 showed that the Australian Grand Prix resulted in a net economic loss for Victoria, with costs exceeding benefits by 5%.
Fernando Alonso won his first Australian Grand Prix in 2006, in a race marked by multiple safety car periods due to accidents.
The Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, built as part of the Albert Park redevelopment for the Australian Grand Prix, served as a venue for the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
An auditor-general's report in 2007 found that the costs of hosting the Australian Grand Prix exceeded the benefits by $6.7 million.
Kimi Räikkönen won the 2007 race in his debut for Ferrari, while rookie Lewis Hamilton impressed by finishing third, marking the first podium finish for a driver in their F1 debut in 11 years.
Lewis Hamilton made his Formula One debut at the 2007 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
Lewis Hamilton won the 2008 Australian Grand Prix, a race with three safety car periods and only six finishers.
Jenson Button led a dominant 1-2 finish for the newly formed Brawn GP team in their debut race. The race ended under safety car conditions due to a crash, and Lewis Hamilton was later disqualified for misleading stewards.
The global financial crisis, higher unemployment rates, and a public transport strike were cited as reasons for a decrease in attendance at the 2009 Australian Grand Prix.
Attendance at the Australian Grand Prix saw an improvement in 2010, reaching an estimated 305,000, marking the highest attendance since the 2005 race.
Fernando Alonso achieved a grand slam at the 2010 Singapore Grand Prix, the last time a Ferrari driver had done so until Leclerc's in 2022.
Jenson Button capitalized on a strategic early tire change to slicks in drying conditions to win the 2010 Australian Grand Prix, as pole-sitter Sebastian Vettel retired with mechanical issues.
An EY report in 2011, commissioned by Tourism Victoria, found that the Grand Prix generated between $32.04 million and $39.34 million for Victoria's Gross State Product and created a significant number of jobs due to international exposure and tourism.
Sebastian Vettel won the 2011 race, while Vitaly Petrov secured a historic first-ever podium finish for a Russian Formula One driver.
Jenson Button achieved his third victory at the Australian Grand Prix in four years.
A 2012 report by Economists at Large estimated a net economic loss for Victoria between $48.8 million and $66.7 million due to the Grand Prix, with a mid-range estimate of $60.55 million.
Kimi Räikkönen took a surprise victory for Lotus in the 2013 Australian Grand Prix, besting Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel.
According to Crikey, the Australian Grand Prix recorded losses of $59.97 million in 2014.
In 2014, a debate arose surrounding the economic impact of the Australian Grand Prix on Victoria. The Victorian government claimed the event generated significant benefits, including $32-39 million in economic impact, job creation, and tourism. Conversely, opponents argued that the event cost taxpayers over $50 million and caused disruptions.
Nico Rosberg dominated the 2014 Australian Grand Prix, the first race with the new V6 turbo hybrid engines. Daniel Ricciardo was disqualified for fuel flow irregularities, promoting Kevin Magnussen and Jenson Button.
Lewis Hamilton emerged victorious in the 2015 Australian Grand Prix, followed by his Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg and Sebastian Vettel.
Max Verstappen made his Formula One debut at the 2015 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
Since 2015, Victorian taxpayers have contributed over $527 million to host the Australian Grand Prix.
The Australian Grand Prix continued to experience financial losses, with Crikey reporting a loss of $61.7 million in 2015.
The Australian Grand Prix incurred a significant financial loss of $61 million in 2016, as reported by Crikey.
In 2017, the Australian Grand Prix continued its trend of financial losses, with Crikey reporting a loss of $57.1 million.
The Supercars Challenge, a support race at the Australian Grand Prix, was contested for championship points for the first time in 2018, under the name Melbourne 400.
Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian Grand Prix is cancelled, marking the first time since World War II that the race is not held.
The 2020 Australian Grand Prix was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, despite initial plans to proceed without spectators. The decision came after a McLaren mechanic and a photographer tested positive for the virus.
The 2021 Belgian Grand Prix surpassed the 1991 Australian Grand Prix as the shortest ever Formula One race, lasting only three laps.
The 2021 Australian Grand Prix, originally slated for March, was moved to November due to COVID-19 restrictions before ultimately being cancelled. The circuit was undergoing changes to increase speeds.
For the second year in a row, the COVID-19 pandemic forces the cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by the global health crisis.
Melbourne secured an extension to its contract to host the Australian Grand Prix until 2035. The agreement ensures that the race will be held within the first three rounds of the season, with at least five season-opening races during that period.
A 2022 Ernst & Young report indicated that the Australian Grand Prix generated $92 million in direct spending and $171 million in Gross State Product for Victoria. The report also highlighted increased hotel occupancy and hospitality business patronage. Similar positive economic impacts were reported for 2011 and 2023.
After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Australian Grand Prix returned in 2022 as the third round of the season, with significant track revisions. Charles Leclerc achieved his first career grand slam, while the event set a new attendance record.
As of the 2022 Australian Grand Prix, Alain Prost remains the only driver to have won the race in both the World Championship and domestic formats.
The 2022 Australian Grand Prix cost Victorian taxpayers $78.1 million to host, despite generating $75.1 million in revenue. Over the preceding decade, the event cost taxpayers a total of $537.5 million.
An Economic Impact Assessment by EY revealed that the 2023 Australian Grand Prix contributed an estimated $268 million to the Victorian economy. This included $144 million in direct spending, the creation of 1,149 jobs, and $128 million from international and interstate visitors.
In 2023, Victorian taxpayers contributed $100.6 million to host the Australian Grand Prix.
Starting from 2023, Formula 2 and Formula 3 races became part of the Australian Grand Prix weekend schedule.
The 2023 Australian Grand Prix saw Max Verstappen win his first race in Australia, but it was a chaotic race with three red flags, setting a new record for most red flags in a single race. Twelve cars finished the race, another first.
The Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne reached a record attendance of 452,055 in 2024.
Melbourne's previous contract to host the Australian Grand Prix was set to expire in 2025.
Melbourne's contract to host the Australian Grand Prix has been extended until 2035.
The Australian Grand Prix secures a contract extension to host Formula One races until 2035.