Australian Grand Prix organizers say they are “very confident” that travel disruption caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East will not affect this weekend’s Formula One season opener.
Nearly 1,000 employees have been forced to reschedule flights, with an estimated 500 reportedly taking charter flights from Europe.
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It comes after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on Saturday, triggering retaliatory attacks across the region.
F1 also said it was “closely monitoring” the situation and expected to hold races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in April.
Australian Formula 1 chairman Travis Auld said on Monday “everyone will be here ready to race” as Melbourne prepares to host the 2026 season opener.
The travel plans of many European drivers and other key personnel have been affected by major disruptions to global air transport, with key routes through Qatar and the United Arab Emirates affected.
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“The last 48 hours have required some adjustments to flights,” Alder said.
“This is primarily the responsibility of Formula One. They are responsible for managing the teams, the drivers and all the people needed to run the event. There are quite a few of them.
“My understanding is that now that everything is set, everyone will be here ready for the race and the fans won’t notice any difference.”
Alder told ABC Channel 9 that three charter flights would transport around 500 of the nearly 1,000 affected F1 staff from Europe.
“Everything is in place and ready to go. We’re confident there won’t be any impact,” Alder said.
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F1 will travel to China and Japan (which are not expected to be affected) before rounds four and five in Bahrain (April 12) and Saudi Arabia (April 19).
A spokesman for F1 said: “Our next three races will be held in Australia, China and Japan rather than in the Middle East – these races will take place over several weeks.
“As always, we monitor situations like this closely and work closely with the appropriate authorities.”
Speaking to Fox Sports, Alder said: “I’m sure [F1] Thinking ahead about possible impacts.
“As it stands we don’t have any issues but I imagine they will look at what they can do with the calendar if needed.”
