The year's Formula 1 season will have a delayed start after the Australian and Chinese Grands Prix have been postponed because of Covid-19 restrictions as Australia and China have strict rules on international arrivals.

The races were first and third on the 2021 calendar and the season is now scheduled to begin with the second race, in Bahrain, on 26-28 March.

The Australian Grand Prix, originally scheduled for 19-21 March, will now take place between 19-21 November while a race at Imola in Italy has been added from 16-18 April and becomes the second race of the season.

F1 says discussions over a new date for the Chinese Grand Prix, which was meant to be held from 9-11 April, are ongoing and the third race of the season, scheduled for May 2, is yet to be confirmed but it is expected to be filled by Portugal's Portimao circuit following its debut last year.