Rumor: Imola & Algarve front-runners to take open slot in 2021 F1 calendar
Years ago when Imola was a regular fixture on the F1 calendar the race was always in early May – weather wise a good time to hold the race. Therefore, it remains the front-runner to take the late April open slot in the provisional 2021 calendar.
The issue will be weather fans will be allowed this year. i.e. will enough people have been vaccinated by then, or will the spread be well under control.
Another circuit in the running to fill the slot is the Autodromo do Algarve in Portugal, but again, the financial arrangements will be critical. Which circuit can hold the race and not lose money.
Of course we know F1 makes so much money from their global TV deals, they really do not need any fans at the races and can simply rent tracks from track owners. Not ideal of course, but very doable.
Provisional 2021 Formula 1 Calendar
| Round | Grand Prix | Venue | Date |
| 1 | Australia | Melbourne | March 21 |
| 2 | Bahrain | Sakhir | March 28 |
| 3 | China | Shanghai | April 11 |
| 4 | TBC | TBC | April 25 |
| 5 | Spain* | Barcelona* | May 9 |
| 6 | Monaco | Monaco | May 23 |
| 7 | Azerbaijan | Baku | June 6 |
| 8 | Canada | Montreal | June 13 |
| 9 | France | Le Castellet | June 27 |
| 10 | Austria | Spielberg | July 4 |
| 11 | United Kingdom | Silverstone | July 18 |
| 12 | Hungary | Budapest | August 1 |
| 13 | Belgium | Spa | August 29 |
| 14 | Netherlands | Zandvoort | September 5 |
| 15 | Italy | Monza | September 12 |
| 16 | Russia | Sochi | September 26 |
| 17 | Singapore | Singapore | October 3 |
| 18 | Japan | Suzuka | October 10 |
| 19 | USA | Austin | October 24 |
| 20 | Mexico | Mexico City | October 31 |
| 21 | Brazil* | Sao Paulo* | November 14 |
| 22 | Saudi Arabia | Jeddah | November 28 |
| 23 | Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi | December 5 |
*Subject to contract