The Australian Grand Prix is set to go ahead in Melbourne this weekend, but the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia races are in doubt as war in the Middle East causes travel chaos
Swift action had to be taken to ensure the Australian Grand Prix can go ahead(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The upcoming Formula 1 races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are in serious doubt – while chiefs have had to charter planes from the UK and Europe to make sure this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix can go ahead. As a result, bosses of the Melbourne race say they are “really confident” that the Melbourne race will not be affected despite travel chaos caused by conflict in the Middle East.
Around 1,000 team and F1 management staff have had their flights to Australia cancelled due to several countries shutting their airspace. However, at least half of them have been accommodated on specially chartered planes to ensure their timely arrival Down Under.
Travis Auld, head of the Melbourne event, stated that key F1 personnel have been given priority to minimise disruption as much as possible. He said: “The drivers will be here, the engineers will be here, the team principals will be here. They’re the ones that have been prioritised (for travel) and so you won’t see any surprise drivers under a helmet.”
The cars themselves have already reached their destination, having been transported from Bahrain immediately after pre-season testing concluded last month.
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However, some team members are still stuck in Manama, Bahrain, following Pirelli’s cancellation of a wet-weather tyre test. The city is among those targeted by Iranian missiles since the counter-attack began, following Saturday’s US and Israeli strike on the country’s leadership.
Some teams may need to reassign trackside staff into different roles for the initial few races of the season as a result. However, Auld reassured: “Luckily, we’ve been able to get everyone that needs to be here, here. My understanding is that’s all now been locked in, everyone will be here ready for the race and fans won’t notice any difference.”
Whilst the Melbourne race is set to proceed, there is far less certainty about the Bahrain and Saudi races scheduled for 12 and 19 April. The World Endurance Championship has already postponed its season opener in Qatar, which was slated for the last weekend in March.
In a statement, FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem stated: “Safety and wellbeing 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.”
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F1 said it is “closely monitoring” developments in the Middle East with a final decision over the Bahrain and Saudi races to be made nearer the time. However, it is understood that contingency plans are prepared to maintain a 24-race season, should cancellation of those two events become necessary.
Similar contingencies were in place for the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix late last year, though those races proceeded as planned. An F1 spokesperson stated: “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. As always, we closely monitor any situation like this and work closely with relevant authorities.”
