F1 BUZZ DRIVING AGP TICKET SALES

Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Andrew Westacott has forecast bumper crowds for the 2022 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix despite mixed turnouts to recent big ticket sporting events.

Cricket’s Big Bash League (BBL) has seen a dramatic decline in crowds this season due to several factors – including compromised scheduling and fan hesitancy – while the Australian Open is operating with crowds at 50 per cent capacity due to government Covid restrictions.

April this year will be the first time Australia has hosted a full F1 event since 2019, Covid forcing cancellations in 2020 and 2021.

Looking ahead to the 2022 Australian Grand Prix, Westacott revealed that ticket sales so far have been strong.

“People are coming to Albert Park via ticket sales in a big way,” Westacott enthusiastically told Auto Action

“We’re working on 100% capacity at the moment, until we are told otherwise.

“We’re building extra grandstands, naming new grandstands after former winners at Albert Park – whether that be Jenson Button or Damon Hill who won our first event here in 1996.

“New grandstand tickets are going to be released onto the market for sale on February 8.

“To also cater for the large amount of general admission fans who are coming along with newfound interest in Formula 1 we’re increasing the amount of general admission viewing hubs in the venue.”

When asked why he thought the Australian public was flocking to F1 in times of reduced crowds, Westacott pointed to the current crop of drivers and the success of F1’s current media strategy.

“It’s because of Oscar (Piastri), Daniel Ricciardo, Netflix and the highlights of last year,” Westacott said.

“Formula 1 is doing things right from a sporting and spectacle point of view. There’s intrigue and unpredictability. When you look at the top of the grid, people are drawn to it.

“If you’re an afficionado of the sport, you’re seeing Verstappen and Hamilton; if you’re generally interested in sport, you’re lured into it because of what Netflix has done.

“Formula 1 has increased its social footprint and digital footprint; it’s appealing to more and more people.

“Generally, people like events and we haven’t seen as many events in Australia – we haven’t been able to travel to events.”

On the topic of travel and Covid-related restrictions, Westacott confirmed that all people including drivers must be fully vaccinated to attend the event, after the Novak Djokovic debacle that consumed the Australian Open.

“We’ve worked very, very closely with the Victorian Government throughout 2021 and in the lead up to 2022,” Westacott said.

“Of course, we’ve also worked very closely with Formula 1.

“The rules are simple to get into the country and the rules are simple to operate in Formula 1.

“To come in for the event you will need to be 100% vaccinated, and there won’t be exemptions sought for anyone from anyone.”

The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix will be held at Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit from April 8-10.

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