The date change for the Australian Grand Prix appears to be part of a "much bigger reshuffle of the F1 calendar for next year, with 21 races packed into a 34-week schedule that will see several races moved around," according to FOX SPORTS. A day after the Australian Grand Prix Corp. confirmed a new date for its '16 race, Autosport published a story on how the 2016 F1 calendar "could look" with a "full rundown on rounds and dates." Formula One Management said in a statement, "It would appear that the proposed 2016 calendar has been leaked. This calendar has not yet been approved." Key changes include:
- The season has its latest start since '88, with the Australian GP scheduled almost a month later than in '15.
- Russia "moves from the tail of the calendar to become the fourth round."
- Azerbaijan's maiden grand prix will be held in mid-July, the Baku street race getting the title of the "European Grand Prix."
- Germany returns to the calendar "near its traditional July date" while Hungary moves into August, pushing F1's traditional three-week summer break "back one week"
The proposed calendar is below:
April 3 — Australia (Albert Park)
April 10 — China (Shanghai)
April 24 — Bahrain (Sakhir)
May 1 — Russia (Sochi)
May 15 — Spain (Barcelona)
May 29 — Monaco (Monte Carlo)
June 12 — Canada (Montreal)
June 26 — Britain (Silverstone)
July 3 — Austria (Red Bull Ring)
July 17 — Europe (Baku)
July 31 — Germany (Hockenheim)
August 7 — Hungary (Hungaroring)
August 28 — Belgium (Spa)
September 4 — Italy (Monza)
September 18 — Singapore (Marina Bay)
September 25 — Malaysia (Sepang)
October 9 — Japan (Suzuka)
October 23 — USA (Austin)
October 30 — Mexico (Mexico City)
November 13 — Brazil (Interlagos)
November 27 — Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina) (
FOX SPORTS, 4/30).
