FIA lifts curfew restrictions for Australian GP amid travel chaos

The FIA has scrapped the pre‑session curfew for the season‑opening Australian Grand Prix after Middle‑East conflict disrupted flight routes to Melbourne. Teams arriving late via unconventional connections now have unrestricted paddock access ahead of Friday’s free practice, ensuring the weekend can start on schedule.

Why it matters:

• The curfew normally caps work on cars 42‑29 hours and 18‑4 hours before on‑track action, potentially penalising teams delayed by travel issues.
• Removing the restriction levels the playing field, letting every team finish set‑up work and avoid jeopardising the race timetable.
• It highlights how geopolitical events can spill over into F1 logistics and force‑majeure decisions.

The details:

• Regulation pause: Articles B9.5.1a (Restricted Period 1) and B9.5.1b (Restricted Period 2) are suspended for this event.
• Normal curfew windows: RP1 runs 42‑29 hours before FP1; RP2 runs 18‑4 hours before the start of on‑track sessions.
• Travel disruption source: Iran’s retaliation against attacks on its territory hit key hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar, key transit points for F1 personnel.
• Alternative routes: Teams used a charter flight from London and rerouted via Dar es Salaam, Fiji and even San Francisco to get to Melbourne.
• Team updates: Mercedes confirmed reserve driver Frederik Vesti and staff are en route; no drivers or principals missed the GP.
• Safety note: All staff stranded after the aborted Bahrain tyre test have returned safely.

What's next:

• Teams can work on cars up to Friday morning, aiming to be fully prepared for FP1.
• The Australian GP proceeds as the first round under the new technical regulations, with the grid expected to line up on time.
• The FIA’s force‑majeure move may become a template for future events if similar travel or freight disruptions arise.