Middle East conflict forces the first stewards' decision of the F1 season

The season-opening round of the championship will take place in Melbourne, Australia.

The ongoing situation in the Middle East, however, means that many teams had to reorganize their plans to get to Australia, as a regular route has been shut down. As a result, the curfew restrictions have now been lifted for the upcoming weekend.

The stewards' report reads: "We wish to inform you that, following consultation with the Stewards of the meeting, due to force majeure and specifically ongoing travel and freight disruptions experienced in the preparation of the Australian Grand Prix, the provisions of Article B9.5.1a i.e. “Restricted Period 1” and Article B9.5.1b i.e. “Restricted Period 2” shall not apply at this Competition."

The two Formula 1 teams were present at the Bahrain International Circuit to take part in a Pirelli tyre test last Saturday. Nyck de Vries was meant to drive for McLaren, and Frederik Vesti for Mercedes.

The personnel from Mercedes, McLaren, and also Pirelli, spent a few days in their hotel as the closed airspace made a return flight impossible. Everyone is now home safely, it was confirmed to GPblog.

Additionally, Mercedes team members that are needed in Melbourne will continue their journey and are expected to be in Australia by Thursday evening, ready for the race weekend.