History and Future of Formula One in Australia

Before achieving Championship status in 1985 the Australian Grand Prix already had a considerable history. There is some debate as to whether the first event was held in 1927 or 1928. Although Phillip Island has long been accepted as the birthplace of the race the town of Goulbourn staged an event with the title a year earlier.

In those years before becoming part of the official Formula One Championship the race was contested by a motley selection of machines. Some Formula One cars did find their way to Australia. Among the winners was Stan Jones, the father of 1980 Formula One World Champion, Alan Jones.

For the first World Championship race in 1985 Adelaide was chosen as the venue. The drivers were faced with a daunting street circuit featuring many bumps and lined with concrete walls. Ayrton Senna took pole but the race victory went to Keke Rosberg in a Williams. The race also marked the 100th Grand Prix start by Australian driver Alan Jones.

Adelaide’s position as the final race of the season saw it become the venue for a title decider in 1986. Nigel Mansell looked certain to take the Championship until a spectacular tyre blow-out forced his retirement, handing the title to Frenchman Alain Prost.

1991 saw the Australian Grand Prix achieve the dubious record of becoming the shortest Formula 1 race in history. In a torrential downpour and with cars aquaplaning all around the circuit the race was stopped after just 14 laps and Ayrton Senna declared the winner.

In 1994 Adelaide was once again the scene of a Championship deciding race. In a highly controversial move Michael Schumacher collided with Damon Hill. Both cars were forced to retire, giving Schumacher his first world title.

The 1995 event was marred by a horrific accident to Mika Hakkinen during qualifying. Although in a coma for several days prompt medical assistance saved the Finnish driver’s life. In time he made a full recovery and went on to win two World Championships.

Despite its popularity with teams and fans alike Adelaide lost the right to stage the race to Melbourne. Environmentalists lobbied hard against the proposals to hold a race in Melbourne’s Albert Park but to no avail. Motor racing had taken place in the park as long ago as 1953 and, from 1996 onwards, it would be the venue for the now season opening Australian Grand Prix.

The 1996 race was memorable for two reasons. On the very first lap Martin Brundle suffered a violent accident which broke his Jordan in half. Despite the extensive damage Brundle escaped unhurt and managed to restart the race in a spare car. Much of the race was dominated by Formula One rookie Jacques Villeneuve. If it hadn’t been for an oil leak late in the race he would have become the only driver since Giancarlo Baghetti in 1961 to win their maiden Grand Prix.

Since that first race Melbourne has remained the venue for the first Grand Prix of the season, with the exception of 2006. A low point in the event’s history came in 2001 when marshal Graham Beveridge was killed by flying debris from an accident.

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has recently made it clear that, unless the race organisers are prepared to make the Australian Grand Prix a night race to better suit European TV audiences then they face losing the race. It looks unlikely that the local government will approve the change so, for 2011, the race will start at 5pm local time in an attempt at a compromise.





Written by Kevin Guthrie
Feature Writer - Auto Racing