F1 chief issues update on Australian Grand Prix amid Middle East conflict

Australian Grand Prix CEO Travis Auld has issued an update on the race amid concerns about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Ahead of the 2026 F1 season opener in Melbourne, Victoria, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has caused concern among fans.

On Saturday (February 28), the US and Israel launched a joint military operation against Iran, which resulted in the nation’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, being killed.

Following the strikes, Iran responded by launching missiles and drones at locations in the UAE and Israel, as well as several other Arab nations, including Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, while a UK military base in Cyprus was also targeted by Iranian drones during a wave of retaliation.

Several fatalities have been reported since the conflict began on Saturday, with flights to and from the region largely cancelled.

Many sporting events may be impacted by the travel chaos, with Qatar halting all sporting activity until further notice. The Finalissima between Spain and Argentina, which will take place in Doha on March 27, is now in doubt.

Meanwhile, the Middle East serves as a key travel route from Europe to the rest of the world, with many F1 drivers and staff members forced to rearrange flights.

The Australian Grand Prix is set to go ahead despite conflict in the Middle East causing travel disruption (Credit:Getty)

As relayed by BBC Sport on Monday (March 2), 1,000 members of staff have been forced to change their travel plans ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, with an estimated 500 of them reportedly set to be flown from Europe on charter planes.

In a statement, F1 said it was “closely monitoring” the situation ahead of the Bahrain and Saudi races next month.

Drivers have also been forced to alter their travel plans due to routes through the Middle East being impacted by the conflict.

On Monday, Australian Grand Prix CEO Auld issued a statement and dismissed fears that the Melbourne race could be cancelled.

“The last 48 hours have required some reshuffling of flights,” Auld said.

“That is largely Formula 1's responsibility. They take charge of the teams, drivers and all the personnel that are required here to make this event happen. There's quite a number of them.

“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.”

He added: “All the freight is here and ready to go. We're in a space where we're really confident there will be no impact.”

In a separate statement, an F1 spokesperson said: “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.”

The Australian Grand Prix weekend will get underway on March 6, with the drivers taking part in practice before qualifying and the Grand Prix on March 7 and 8.