The harbour precinct near Sydney CBD has been referenced in discussion about a possible Formula One race in Sydney, following calls from business leaders for the city to be considered if Middle East races are cancelled.
Calls For Sydney To Be Considered
Business groups have suggested Sydney could be considered as an alternative venue if scheduled Formula One events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are removed from the championship calendar.
The two races were scheduled for 13 April 2026 in Bahrain and 20 April 2026 in Saudi Arabia. Ongoing conflict in the region has led to speculation about whether those rounds will proceed.
Supporters of the idea say Sydney could deliver international visibility and visitor activity if Formula One organisers need another location on the calendar.
Sydney CBD Harbour Setting
The Sydney CBD becomes relevant in the discussion because the southern end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge connects directly to the central business district.
Areas surrounding the bridge on the city side include The Rocks, Dawes Point and Millers Point. These locations form part of the harbour precinct beside the bridge and Circular Quay.
The bridge also connects the Sydney CBD to suburbs on the Lower North Shore, including Kirribilli and Milsons Point. Any concept involving the Harbour Bridge would place both sides of the harbour within the wider setting referenced during the discussion.
Timing And Infrastructure Challenges
Despite the public discussion, motorsport officials have indicated that staging a Formula One race in Sydney within the current timeframe would be highly difficult.
Constructing the infrastructure required for a Formula One event, particularly a temporary street circuit, usually involves extensive planning and preparation. With only weeks before the scheduled April races, organisers say delivering a compliant event would be unlikely.
Circuit Requirements
Sydney Motorsport Park has also been mentioned in discussions about possible venues. The circuit currently holds an FIA Grade 2 licence.
Formula One races require Grade 1 certification, meaning the track would not meet the current licensing requirement to host a Grand Prix.
Melbourne also retains the rights to host the Australian Formula One Grand Prix until at least 2035, meaning it remains the country’s established Formula One venue.
Possible Alternatives
If races in Bahrain or Saudi Arabia are cancelled, other venues such as Imola in Italy, Portimão in Portugal, and Istanbul in Türkiye have been mentioned as possible alternatives.
Formula One organisers could also choose to reduce the championship calendar rather than replace cancelled races.
A decision on the status of the Middle East races was expected by the end of March 2026. At present, no formal approach has been made to host a Formula One race in New South Wales and no Sydney venue has been confirmed.
Published 14-Mar-2026
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