Formula One’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne next Sunday is due to go ahead despite bombing in the Middle East resulting in hundreds of F1 personnel having their flights cancelled. This followed Iran bombing facilities in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and the UAE in retaliatory strikes after the United States launched what President Donald Trump called ‘major combat operations’. After the airport closures in Doha and Dubai, F1 travellers are being moved on to flights via Hong Kong and Singapore. Some are taking up direct flights into Perth with Qantas, prior to a 3hr 35min internal connection to Melbourne. However, it is understood F1 bosses have contingency plans in place should the upheaval in the region necessitate a change of venue to maintain their 24-race world championship.

Source: Daily Mail February 28, 2026 14:35 UTC