P1racenews AI automatic summary:
FIA scrap F1 curfew after Australian Grand Prix travel chaos
The FIA have eliminated the F1 curfew following travel disruptions leading up to the Australian Grand Prix season opener. This curfew rule allowed mechanics to work on the cars in specific time slots to avoid overnight shifts, with two permissible exemptions for unexpected situations. However, due to last-minute travel changes, teams struggled to transport personnel and freight to Melbourne, prompting the FIA to lift curfew restrictions. Issues in the Middle East disrupted normal travel routes, resulting in entire crews being stranded in Italy, impacting preparation for the weekend. Consequently, discussions between the FIA and F1 teams led to the suspension of curfew rules for the initial two periods before Friday practice, allowing for overnight work on the car to ensure readiness for track action on Friday. The 2026 F1 season kicks off in Melbourne on March 6 with FP1 and FP2, followed by FP3 and qualifying on March 7, culminating in the Australian Grand Prix at 3pm local time.
