US EditionAustralian Grand Prix: Formula 1 Season-Opener to Feel 'No Impact' of Travel Chaos Caused by Middle East Conflict
Nearly 1,000 staff had to rearrange flights due to Middle East airport closures, but the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park is set to run without disruption, officials said.
- On Monday, Australian Formula One chief Travis Auld said travel chaos has forced 1,000 staff to scramble, but the Australian Grand Prix will proceed on Sunday, March 8.
- Airports in Dubai, Bahrain and Doha closed after US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Iranian retaliation, causing the biggest global air disruption since Covid and affecting Europe-based F1 personnel en route to Melbourne.
- Close to 1,000 F1 staff had to rearrange flights, with 500 from Europe reportedly set to be flown in on three charter planes, while freight and cars are ready at Albert Park. Craig Slater, Sky Sport's F1 reporter, said they are working on an exit strategy for about 50 staff stuck in Bahrain.
- Action at Melbourne Park begins on Thursday with drivers hitting the track on Friday for two practice sessions, and organisers say fans should see no difference.
- Round four in Bahrain and the Saudi Arabia round face uncertainty, while the China and Japan races are not expected to be affected.
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43 Articles
F1 2026: Officials chartering flights to Australian GP amid Middle East conflict
With the ongoing conflict in the Middle East causing widespread disruptions to travel, Formula 1 officials have chartered flights to get key team staff to Melbourne for this weekend’s 2026 Australian Grand Prix, according to reports.
Marietta Daily Journal
The Straits TimesF1 chartering flights to Australian GP amid Middle East conflict
With the ongoing conflict in the Middle East causing widespread disruptions to travel, Formula 1 officials have chartered flights to get key team staff to Melbourne for this weekend's 2026 Australian Grand Prix, according to The Athletic.
The Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix organization stated that the inaugural race of the 2026 season, scheduled for 6-8 March in Albert Park, Melbourne, will have no impact despite the recent transportation problems resulting from the war in the Middle East.
Australian Grand Prix confirmed on time; teams and officials to arrive by Wednesday despite rescheduled flights
Formula One News: Despite some doubts over delayed arrivals of teams in Melbourne due to tensions in the Middle East, F1 officials have confirmed the Australian Grand P.
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