Australian Grand Prix confirmed on time; teams and officials to arrive by Wednesday despite rescheduled flights | Formula One News
Despite some doubts over delayed arrivals of teams in Melbourne due to tensions in the Middle East, F1 officials have confirmed the Australian Grand Prix will go ahead as scheduled. Australian Grand Prix CEO Travis Auld has confirmed that the 2026 season opener will be held as planned on March 8. He said he is confident all F1 staff and teams will reach Melbourne by Wednesday despite some flight reshcheduling.
Australian Grand Prix on track despite travel disruptions
As quoted by PlanetF1.com, Australian Grand Prix CEO Travis Auld said on the Today show, “The events of the weekend have certainly meant there’s been some reshuffling of travel plans. But the Formula 1 organization is very good at moving people around the world. That’s what they do. And so they’ve been able to do that, and we’re not expecting any impacts on our race. All the freight is here and ready to go. And so we’re in a position where we’re really confident there’ll be no impact.”He later said at a press conference, “I would say based on previous years that everyone will be here by Wednesday. Everyone who needs to be here will be here. There will be no impact on the race or the event in any way. We’ll see them all arrive on time,” he added.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem on future races
There is however, no clarity yet on the future of the Bahrain Grand Prix and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Both are scheduled for April.Meanwhile, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has issued a statement on the situation. Regarding the upcoming races, he said, “We are in close contact with our Member Clubs, championship promoters, teams, and colleagues on the ground as we monitor developments carefully and responsibly. Safety and well-being will guide our decisions as we assess the forthcoming events scheduled there for the FIA World Endurance Championship and the FIA Formula One World Championship. Our organization is built on unity and shared purpose. That unity matters now more than ever.”The Australian Grand Prix on March 8 will begin the F1 season under new regulations. It will be held at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne. The cars have become slower due to the hybrid model combining combustion and electric powertrains and are shorter, narrower, and lighter.Also read: Lewis Hamilton trains harder than ever ahead of 2026 F1 season: “This is the most I’ve ever trained”
