Formula 1: Expensive legal fight looming after Robbie Williams’ gig was cancelled at Grand Prix in Melbourne

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation is being sued for more than $8m after the sudden cancellation of Robbie Williams’ performance at the 2020 Formula One event in Melbourne.

Racegoers were outside Albert Park on March 13, 2020 when it was announced the event was cancelled.

According to a writ recently filed in the Victorian Supreme Court, Williams was booked to perform the next night — with a fee of $1.94m — but the British pop star’s appearance was scrapped.

Supplied Entertainment EMBARGOED FOR DEC 9. Robbie Williams releases new Xmas song. Picture:Supplied/Leo Baron/Sony
The Australian Grand Prix Corporation is being sued for an eye-watering amount after the sudden cancellation of Robbie Williams’ performance in Melbourne. Credit: Supplied

World Touring Melbourne, which is part-owned by actor Will Smith, alleged the Australian Grand Prix Corporation had “breached its obligations” under the live music co-operation agreement.

“WTM has suffered loss and damage,” the writ read.

The agency is seeking a total of $7.594m for costs incurred, plus $1.128m in lost profits.

The writ outlines a lengthy list of expenses including venue hire, catering, production fees such as sound and lighting, site costs, travel and accommodation, publicity, insurance and legal fees.

Formula 1  Heineken  Australian Grand Prix 2022
Grand Prix teams are starting to bump in all of their equipment for this year’s event in Melbourne. Credit: News Corp Australia

World Touring Melbourne said it learnt about the cancellatxjmtzywion during a teleconference at 1.30pm on March 13.

United States pop star Miley Cyrus had also been set to perform at Lakeside Stadium.

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The Grand Prix will return to Melbourne this week for the first time since the 2020 race was cancelled, with several local artists set to perform.

NCA NewsWire is seeking comment from Gadens law firm and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation.