Albert Park Circuit

The Albert Park Circuit is a street circuit located around Albert Park Lake which hosts the F1 Australian Grand Prix each year. Situated a short distance from the heart of Melbourne, the public park is transformed each year for the major event, which has been held in Melbourne since 1996. The F1 Grand Prix attracts around 450,000 spectators over four days each year, with the event held early in the season in March.

The current capacity of the Albert Park Circuit is set to a maximum of 130,000 spectators per day, including grandstand seating for 46,000 spectators, to ensure a level of comfort for those in attendance at the event. This capacity is regularly reached, with the the weekend completely sold-out in recent years.

While racing at Albert Park dates back to 1953, the circuit was completely revamped in preparation for the return of the F1 Grand Prix to Melbourne in 1996. The only permanent facility at the circuit is the two story pit lane building. The rest, including grandstands and corporate facilities are all temporary and are constructed every year. There are plans to increase the capacity at the circuit in future years.

The circuit was revamped throughout 2021, including modifying seven of the circuit’s corners, with two removed entirely, widening the pit lane and resurfacing the track for the first time in 25 years. The length of the circuit (following the racing line) was reduced by 28 metres, from 5.259km to 5.231km, with lap times decreased by approximately five seconds.