The 2011 FIA Formula One World Championship was the 65th season of FIA Formula One motor racing. The original calendar for the 2011 Formula One World Championship consisted of twenty rounds,[1] including the inaugural running of the Indian Grand Prix[2] before the cancellation of the Bahrain Grand Prix. Pirelli returned to the sport as tyre supplier for all teams, taking over from Bridgestone, marking their return to Formula One for the first time since the 1991 season.[3]
Red Bull Racing and their driver Sebastian Vettel were the defending Constructors' and Drivers' Champions respectively, Vettel being one of five World Champions appearing on the grid. Vettel defended his World Championship at the 2011 Japanese Grand Prix, becoming the youngest driver, at 24 years and 98 days, to do so while helping Red Bull Racing defend their Constructors' Championship. It would also be the last season for veteran race winner Rubens Barrichello and the first season in which the Drag Reduction System (DRS) overtaking aid was used.
- ^ Elizalde, Pablo (21 February 2011). "Prior to opening round in bahrain being cancelled". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 21 February 2011.
- ^ "Bernie Ecclestone reveals F1 extension to 20 races". BBC Sport. BBC. 16 April 2010. Archived from the original on 13 March 2012. Retrieved 17 April 2010.
- ^ "World Motor Sport Council: 23/06/2010". fia.com. Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile. 23 June 2010. Archived from the original on 26 June 2010. Retrieved 23 June 2010.