Will 2015 be the last Australian Grand Prix?

Australia’s Albert Park circuit current contract with Formula One ends in 2015 and there are growing calls for the race to be dropped from the calendar.

Last month F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone was less than impressed with comments from Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Robert Doyle, which led to the following little outburst. 'If the mayor thinks I'm cranky, I can probably be able to help him by proving it if he's not happy with the event in Australia, if he wants to cancel the contract, we'd be happy to talk to him about that. he told the press. 'If he wishes to cease having the event in Melbourne, I am happy to discuss that with him.'

It would appear that the mayor also has support from a member of the Australian parliament. 'The grand prix may have been a good deal in 1996, when it cost the government only $1.7 million; but, with falling crowd numbers and taxpayers footing a $50 million-a-year bill, the government should cut its losses and walk away,' Michael Danby told parliament according to reuters.

The Australian Grand Prix has been held in Albert Park since 1996 when the event switched from Adelaide.

The track has been a great hunting ground for British drivers over the past 15 years with Damon Hill, David Coulthard, Eddie Irvine, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button all leaving Australia victorious.

Perhaps the Brits dominance has played its part in the events dwindling attendance figures? We all know how much an Aussie likes to watch us Brits come out on top!