Up to 1,000 members of the Formula One paddock have been forced to rearrange travel plans to reach Melbourne for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, after escalating conflict in the Middle East caused widespread flight cancellations. However, the race is set to proceed as scheduled, with cars and equipment having been shipped from last month's testing in Bahrain before the aviation disruptions began.
Travis Auld, chief executive of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, confirmed on Monday that the vehicles are already at Albert Park, stored in containers ready for this weekend's action. He noted that many staff have had to book alternative flights to avoid international hubs in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, which have been targeted by Iranian missiles.
“You’re talking about teams, drivers, Formula One personnel – there’d be close to a thousand people who would have already booked their flights and have had to change them,” Auld told Channel Nine. He added that while there is increased demand for seats, all essential personnel – including drivers, engineers, and team principals – have been prioritised and are expected to be in Melbourne.
Some support staff may miss the start of the season, but the race can proceed without them. Tyre supplier Pirelli cancelled wet-weather testing in Bahrain due to the conflict, and some employees remain stranded there, including Mercedes third driver Frederik Vesti, who posted from the circuit. McLaren and Mercedes staff are also reportedly still in Bahrain.
Formula One officials are monitoring the situation ahead of upcoming rounds in Bahrain (early April) and Saudi Arabia (a week later). FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the governing body is prioritising “safety and wellbeing” and is in close contact with stakeholders. He expressed sadness over the loss of life and called for a swift return to stability.
