F1 Australian Grand Prix Set to Proceed Despite Travel Chaos
Australian Grand Prix expected to attract 450,000 fans amid new regulations and travel disruptions in the Middle East.
Lando Norris leads title defense, Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez join Cadillac...
The Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix is set to kick off as planned despite travel disruptions caused by the US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Australian Grand Prix CEO Travis Auld confirmed that around 1,000 race staff have had to change their flights, but the event will proceed without any issues.
The Middle East conflict has led to significant travel chaos, with many drivers, engineers, and team personnel based in Europe facing challenges reaching Melbourne. However, Formula 1 officials are managing the logistics, and alternative routes are being taken, including flights through Hong Kong, Singapore, and Perth.
The first race of the year is this weekend, but Formula 1's Bahrain Grand Prix is facing major travel chaos, with Dubai, Bahrain, and Doha all hit by disruptions. It's the biggest global air transport disruption since Covid, and teams are scrambling.
Auld said he spoke to F1's top bosses on Monday, and “everyone will be here ready for the race.” He's confident they'll make it work despite the travel chaos.
“The last 48 hours have required some reshuffling of flights. That is largely Formula 1's responsibility," he said at a press briefing.
“They take charge of the teams and the drivers and all the personnel that are required here to make this event happen, and there's quite a number of them.
“My understanding from talking to them this morning is that's all now been locked in, everyone will be here ready for the race, and, for fans, they won't notice any difference.
“There are some drivers already in Australia; there are some team members already in Australia,” he added.
“But there are a number in the UK and broadly throughout Europe that need to get here, so they've just had to find another way; that's been a process for them, and I'm sure it's been a lot of work on their behalf.”
Auld told Channel Nine that around 1,000 F1 staff had to change their flights due to the travel disruptions. About 500 of them from Europe are reportedly being flown in on three charter planes.
“All the freight is here and ready to go,” Auld added, with the cars in their containers at the Albert Park circuit ready to be unloaded into the team garages. “We're in a space where we're really confident there will be no impact.”
After Melbourne, Formula 1 heads to China and then Japan, which are not expected to be affected. But there are questions over round four in Bahrain (April 10th-12th) and Saudi Arabia a week later, given the current travel disruptions in the Middle East.
“Our next three races are in Australia, China and Japan and not in the Middle East - those races are not for a number of weeks,” an F1 spokesman said.
“As always, we closely monitor any situation like this and work closely with relevant authorities.”
The Australian Grand Prix is set to draw in huge crowds, with over 450,000 fans expected. This year's event will see the debut of sweeping new regulations aimed at shaking up the sport.
The changes include overhauls to engine and chassis rules, designed to create more overtaking opportunities and boost eco-sustainability.
Drivers tested the new rules in Bahrain and were cautiously optimistic, to say the least. The changes are aimed at increasing competitiveness, but it'll take some getting used to.
New cars. New power. New teams.
— Formula 1 (@F1) February 22, 2026
F1 is back and it's all to drive for 🔊#F1 pic.twitter.com/7xgsxiKLTy
Lando Norris kicks off his title defense in Melbourne, and it's a big day for new team Cadillac, with Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez behind the wheel.
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