Australian GP proceeds as F1 sidesteps Middle East turmoil, curfew waived
Summary
Despite the Iran‑US conflict and Gulf travel disruptions, all F1 teams have reached Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix. The FIA lifted weekend curfews and will monitor the Bahrain and Saudi rounds.
The Australian Grand Prix will go ahead as planned, with all teams in Melbourne despite the Iran‑US conflict that has snarled Gulf travel. The FIA invoked force‑majeure to suspend Wednesday‑Thursday curfews, and charter flights via Tanzania and Singapore got key staff to the circuit on time.
Why it matters:
- The opening race sets the 2026 rhythm; a delay would ripple through the calendar.
- Travel disruptions reveal how geopolitical shocks can jeopardise global sport logistics.
The details:
- Teams rerouted staff, using charter flights via Tanzania and Singapore, and arrived in Melbourne by Tuesday evening with no reported operational issues.
- The FIA invoked force‑majeure, suspending the standard Wednesday‑Thursday curfew periods (Restricted Period 1 & 2) and allowing teams to keep staff on‑site.
- Mercedes and McLaren crews stuck in Bahrain after a Pirelli tyre test cancellation were evacuated safely, underscoring the broader travel risk.
What's next:
The FIA will monitor the Middle East situation as the calendar moves to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. A decision on those rounds is expected in the one‑week gap between the China and Japan races; replacing them on short notice appears unlikely. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said civilian safety remains paramount and F1 will act responsibly.
Original Article :https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/fia-eases-australia-gp-curfews-as-teams-rerou...