HUNDREDS of F1 staff have been flown on emergency chartered planes to ensure Sunday’s ­season-opening Australian Grand Prix goes ahead.

Formula One arranged for two flights to leave London on Monday night after airspace closure forced by the Middle East conflict wreaked havoc.

F1 bosses have arranged for hundreds of staff to fly to Australia for the season openerCredit: Alamy
 

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Ten of grid’s 11 teams and F1 officials have travelled after the Middle East conflict wreaked havocCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
A British Airways plane, stopping at Singapore, and a business class-only  Air X flight via Tanzania are due to arrive in Melbourne this morning.

They are carrying staff from ten of the grid’s 11 teams plus F1 officials.

One leading UK-based team said more than half of its travelling staff had been affected by the need to re-route flights.

A paddock insider said: “It is a great testament to the sport how they are able to pull this off at such short notice.”

Rounds in Bahrain on April 12 and Saudi Arabia the following week are in doubt due to the war .

An F1 spokesman said: “The safety and security of everyone in F1 will always be our priority.

“We monitor any situation like this and work with relevant authorities.”

F1 are understood to be preparing contingency plans should the Middle East double header next month be postponed due to the ongoing conflict.

The sport has shown a capacity to deal with previous race-cancelling events, including the Covid-19 pandemic.

During the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix weekend in 2022, an Aramco oil facility six miles from the track was bombed, prompting drivers to vote on whether to race.

A statement from FIA chief, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said: “As President of the FIA, my thoughts are with all those affected by the recent events in the Middle East.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and stand with the families and communities impacted.

“At this moment of uncertainty, we hope for calm, safety, and a swift return to stability. Dialogue and the protection of civilians must remain priorities.

“We are in close contact with our Member Clubs, championship promoters, teams, and colleagues on the ground as we monitor developments carefully and responsibly.

“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.

“Our organisation is built on unity and shared purpose. That unity matters now more than ever.”