Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone has indicated the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne could continue beyond 2015 if there was a permanent circuit.

He said Melbourne should have constructed a purpose-built track for the race years ago and not gone with the street circuit format of Albert Park.

There's been some contention over Melbourne's future as a Grand Prix host - after the city's Lord Mayor Robert Doyle questioned the cost of the event for Victoria's taxpayers, which angered Ecclestone.

However, Ecclestone's comments this week have raised some hope for its future, although he did concede they would not force anything if it was not wanted.