F1 Today | FIA takes action over Middle East turmoil as ex-F1 team boss resurfaces

Formula 1 is on the verge of what promises to be a 2026 season still surrounded by plenty of question marks, despite the many days of testing that shaped the pre-season. The action will get underway in Melbourne, which returned to hosting the opening round of the championship last year.

As the escalating situation in the Middle East has forced several teams to rethink their travel plans for Australia after a commonly used flight route was closed. As a consequence, the FIA has decided to lift the curfew restrictions for the upcoming race weekend.

In an official communication, the stewards explained that, after consulting with race officials, the decision was taken due to force majeure linked to the travel and freight disruptions affecting preparations for the Australian Grand Prix. As a result, the usual restricted periods imposed on teams will not apply for this event.

Moreover, GPblog understands that the eleven teams will sit down with F1 this weekend in Australia to discuss how to proceed, for the time being, with the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix.

Otmar Szafnauer has officially returned to motorsport after joining Van Amersfoort Racing as CEO and Managing Partner, following his abrupt departure from Alpine in July 2023.

The Dutch outfit competes across several junior categories, including Formula 2, Formula 3, the Formula Regional European Championship and Formula 4, with its F2 and F3 teams set to kick off their campaigns this weekend in Australia.

Szafnauer highlighted the team’s strong reputation for nurturing young talent and competing at a high level across multiple series, adding that he is eager to work closely with the leadership group and the wider organisation as the team enters the next phase of its development.