Australia has confirmed that the 2027 Formula 1 season will open with the Australian Grand Prix, scheduled to take place from April 1 to April 4. This announcement follows the release of Formula 1’s full 2027 calendar, which sees the first race of the season move back to Bahrain on March 14. The Australian Grand Prix had been the season-opener in the previous two years, held at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne. The shift to Bahrain marks a return to a traditional start for the Formula 1 season, which had been held in Australia since 2015. Bahrain is also set to host pre-season testing in February, but the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has raised concerns for Formula 1. Earlier this year, races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were canceled due to the regional tensions, and the situation remains uncertain. Despite this, Formula 1 is currently moving forward with its planned season-ending races in Qatar (November 29) and Abu Dhabi (December 6). Imola, a circuit in Italy, is being considered as a backup option should any issues arise, but Australia’s Grand Prix CEO, Travis Auld, has emphasized that Melbourne will not be a backup plan for the 2027 season opener. Auld confirmed that the Australian Grand Prix’s date is now set for April 1-4, noting that construction of a new pit building at Albert Park is underway. This new facility is expected to enhance the event and has strict timelines for completion. Auld stated that changing the date at this stage would be very difficult, as it involves significant planning and infrastructure work. In the 2027 season, the Australian Grand Prix will be the third race, following the opener in Bahrain and the second race in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The Albert Park circuit has attracted nearly one million fans in the last two years, and the new date aligns with Australian school holidays, which is expected to boost attendance. Meanwhile, Bahrain has moved its 2024 Grand Prix to the Sepang circuit in Malaysia, scheduled for October 4. The next race on the current calendar is the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, set for September 26.