FIA chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem said "safety and wellbeing" will guide decision-making with Formula One's calendar plunged into uncertainty by the war in the Middle East. This weekend's season-opening Australian Grand Prix has been hit by travel chaos but is not under threat. After Melbourne, Formula One heads to China then Japan, which are not expected to be affected.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/iran-us-israel-war-forces-stranded-pv-sindhu-out-of-all-england-open-2026-first-reserve-k-srikanth-could-earn-main-draw-entry-1772467561674">Stranded in Dubai: Israel-Iran war forces PV Sindhu out of All England Open</a>However, concerns are mounting over whether next month's Bahrain race from April 10-12 and Saudi Arabia a week later will be able to go ahead.US President Donald Trump on Monday said the assault on Iran could go "far longer" than his initial estimates of about a month.In response, Iran and its allies have launched retaliatory strikes on Israel as well as US military bases and other areas in a host of Mideast nations, including Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.Ben Sulayem, president of global motorsport governing body, the International Automobile Federation (FIA), said he was closely monitoring the situation."At this moment of uncertainty, we hope for calm and a swift return to stability. Dialogue and the protection of civilians must remain priorities," he said in his first statement on the matter late Monday."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 for the World Endurance Championship and the Formula 1 World Championship."The Endurance Championship is a leading sportscar event due to open its season in Qatar at the end of March.While freight, including the cars, is safely in Melbourne for the Grand Prix this weekend, the closure of airspace and airports in the Middle East has caused chaos to travel plans for team personnel.Dubai and Doha are major flight hubs on the path to Melbourne and around 1,000 race staff have had to scramble and change flights.Australian Formula One chief Travis Auld on Monday said he was confident "everyone will be here ready for the race"."We're in a space where we're really confident there will be no impact," he added.McLaren world champion Lando Norris will kickstart his title defence in Melbourne, which will be the first race for new team Cadillac -- with experienced pair Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez in the cockpit.

Concerns are mounting over whether next month's Bahrain race from April 10-12 and Saudi Arabia a week later will be able to go ahead. US President Donald Trump on Monday said the assault on Iran could go "far longer" than his initial estimates of about a month.

FIA chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem said "safety and wellbeing" will guide decision-making with Formula One's calendar plunged into uncertainty by the war in the Middle East. This weekend's season-opening Australian Grand Prix has been hit by travel chaos but is not under threat. After Melbourne, Formula One heads to China then Japan, which are not expected to be affected. Also Read - Stranded in Dubai: Israel-Iran war forces PV Sindhu out of All England Open However, concerns are mounting over whether next month's Bahrain race from April 10-12 and Saudi Arabia a week later will be able to go ahead. US President Donald Trump on Monday said the assault on Iran could go "far longer" than his initial estimates of about a month. In response, Iran and its allies have launched retaliatory strikes on Israel as well as US military bases and other areas in a host of Mideast nations, including Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Ben Sulayem, president of global motorsport governing body, the International Automobile Federation (FIA), said he was closely monitoring the situation. "At this moment of uncertainty, we hope for calm and a swift return to stability. Dialogue and the protection of civilians must remain priorities," he said in his first statement on the matter late Monday. "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 for the World Endurance Championship and the Formula 1 World Championship." The Endurance Championship is a leading sportscar event due to open its season in Qatar at the end of March. While freight, including the cars, is safely in Melbourne for the Grand Prix this weekend, the closure of airspace and airports in the Middle East has caused chaos to travel plans for team personnel. Dubai and Doha are major flight hubs on the path to Melbourne and around 1,000 race staff have had to scramble and change flights. Australian Formula One chief Travis Auld on Monday said he was confident "everyone will be here ready for the race". "We're in a space where we're really confident there will be no impact," he added. McLaren world champion Lando Norris will kickstart his title defence in Melbourne, which will be the first race for new team Cadillac -- with experienced pair Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez in the cockpit.

Concerns are mounting over whether next month's Bahrain race from April 10-12 and Saudi Arabia a week later will be able to go ahead. US President Donald Trump on Monday said the assault on Iran could go "far longer" than his initial estimates of about a month.

F1 2026: FIA chief asserts 'safety and wellbeing' to determine Middle East races

Formula 1 is the latest event to be hit amid ongoing conflict between US-Israel and Iran. The development comes as fligth operations are hit across the world because of the escalating tensions in the Middel East. It all started with US-Israel launching joint strikes against Iran on Saturday (Mar 1) and killing the Shia-muslim majority country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Since then, Iran has launched strikes against US allies in the region including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Baharin - the venue of pre season testing. The Formula 1 season starts Sunday (Mar 8) in Melbourne, Australia and nearly a 1,000 pesonnel from 10 teams have been forced to make last-minute changes to thier flight plan in order to reach for the opening weekend which starts Friday (Feb 6) with testing.<h2>Formula 1 opening weekend hit by US-Israel-Iran conflict</h2>The Formula 1 cars have made it to Australia for the oepning weekend after being put on for transportation last month following the pre-season testing in Baharin - one of the countries inlvolved in the conflict. It is, however, the personnel, who found themselves stuck while trying to get to Melbourne.“You’re talking about teams, drivers, Formula One personnel, I’m guessing there’d be close to a thousand people that would have already booked their flights and would be landing somewhere between today, tomorrow, Wednesday – they had to all be changed," Travis Auld, chief executive of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, told Channel Nine on Monday (Mar 2).“But a lot of people around the world are doing the same thing and so you’re competing obviously with that increase in demand, but they’ve been able to sort it out.”<h2>Formula 1 in Middle East</h2>The Middle Eastern countries have long been a venue for the Formula 1 races. In the upcoming season, which starts Sunday (Mar 8), there are as many as five races scheduled in the region. The first F1 race in the Middle Eastern region is Baharin GP on April 12, followed by Saudi Arabia GP on April 19 - both the countries are currently involved in the conflict.The remaining three races are towards the end of the season - Azerbaijan GP on September 26, Qatar GP on November 29, and Abu Dhabi GP on December 6

The Formula 1 season starts Sunday (Mar 8) in Melbourne, Australia and nearly a 1,000 pesonnel from 10 teams have been forced to make last-minute changes to thier flight plan in order to reach for the opening weekend which starts Friday (Feb 6) with testing.

Formula 1 is the latest event to be hit amid ongoing conflict between US-Israel and Iran. The development comes as fligth operations are hit across the world because of the escalating tensions in the Middel East. It all started with US-Israel launching joint strikes against Iran on Saturday (Mar 1) and killing the Shia-muslim majority country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Since then, Iran has launched strikes against US allies in the region including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Baharin - the venue of pre season testing. The Formula 1 season starts Sunday (Mar 8) in Melbourne, Australia and nearly a 1,000 pesonnel from 10 teams have been forced to make last-minute changes to thier flight plan in order to reach for the opening weekend which starts Friday (Feb 6) with testing. Formula 1 opening weekend hit by US-Israel-Iran conflict The Formula 1 cars have made it to Australia for the oepning weekend after being put on for transportation last month following the pre-season testing in Baharin - one of the countries inlvolved in the conflict. It is, however, the personnel, who found themselves stuck while trying to get to Melbourne. “You’re talking about teams, drivers, Formula One personnel, I’m guessing there’d be close to a thousand people that would have already booked their flights and would be landing somewhere between today, tomorrow, Wednesday – they had to all be changed," Travis Auld, chief executive of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, told Channel Nine on Monday (Mar 2). “But a lot of people around the world are doing the same thing and so you’re competing obviously with that increase in demand, but they’ve been able to sort it out.” Formula 1 in Middle East The Middle Eastern countries have long been a venue for the Formula 1 races. In the upcoming season, which starts Sunday (Mar 8), there are as many as five races scheduled in the region. The first F1 race in the Middle Eastern region is Baharin GP on April 12, followed by Saudi Arabia GP on April 19 - both the countries are currently involved in the conflict. The remaining three races are towards the end of the season - Azerbaijan GP on September 26, Qatar GP on November 29, and Abu Dhabi GP on December 6

The Formula 1 season starts Sunday (Mar 8) in Melbourne, Australia and nearly a 1,000 pesonnel from 10 teams have been forced to make last-minute changes to thier flight plan in order to reach for the opening weekend which starts Friday (Feb 6) with testing.

US-Israel attack Iran | Formula 1 2026 opening weekend preparations in Australia hit amid Middle East conflict

Lando Norris enters the 2025 Formula 1 season as the favourite, but history&mdash;and fierce competition&mdash;stand in his way. His friend-turned-rival <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/max-verstappen">Max Verstappen</a> is chasing a fifth consecutive title, a feat achieved only by legendary Michael Schumacher. Like Schumacher, Verstappen is a relentless competitor, unafraid to push boundaries&mdash;a trait Norris has learned the hard way.
Adding to the challenge, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/lewis-hamilton">Lewis Hamilton</a> embarks on a new chapter with Ferrari, aiming for a record-breaking eighth championship. The Italian team, hungry for its first drivers' title since 2007, is determined to make Hamilton's arrival a historic one.
<h2>Norris under pressure as favourite</h2>
McLaren&rsquo;s strong finish in 2024 established Norris as a top contender, but the field is tighter than ever. Preseason testing suggests McLaren remains competitive, but threats loom from multiple directions. Verstappen is still a force to be reckoned with, Hamilton is rejuvenated at Ferrari, and Norris' own teammate, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/oscar-piastri">Oscar Piastri</a>, is eager to make his mark. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/charles-leclerc" rel="dofollow">Charles Leclerc </a>(Ferrari) and George Russell (Mercedes) add further unpredictability to a season that could be the closest in years.
Despite the weight of expectations, Norris insists he thrives under pressure. "I know coming into this season that for a lot of people I'm the favourite," he said. "I've always done much better under pressure. I'm able to think and to focus much more."
<h2>Verstappen: The man to beat</h2>
Ever since his dramatic 2021 title win over Hamilton, Verstappen has dominated the sport. Some questioned whether his motivation would wane, but his performance in 2024, where he frequently pushed Norris to the limit and beyond, proved otherwise.
"My motivation is there because last year was not straightforward," Verstappen said. "We had good wins, but not as many as we would have liked. But we still won the championship."
Despite internal tensions at Red Bull, Verstappen remains settled and confident, calling the team his "second family" as he enters his 11th F1 season.
<h2>Hamilton&rsquo;s Ferrari gamble</h2>
For Hamilton, 2025 is about legacy. A title would make him the undisputed greatest champion in F1 history with eight championships. His switch to Ferrari has electrified fans, some of whom even cut down a tree to get a glimpse of him testing the new SF-25.
"I know what a winning team looks and feels like," Hamilton said. "The passion here is like nothing you've ever seen. They have everything they need to win a championship&mdash;it's just about putting the pieces together."
<h2>Wild cards</h2>
Mercedes, after struggling with car issues, showed strong late-season form in 2024, with Russell securing key victories. He&rsquo;s joined by 18-year-old rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, mentored by Hamilton. Meanwhile, teams like Aston Martin may shift focus early to their 2026 development, given the upcoming regulation changes.
<h2>FIA vs Drivers</h2>
Beyond the racing, tensions are brewing between drivers and the sport&rsquo;s governing body, the FIA. President Mohammed Ben Sulayem&rsquo;s crackdown on driver swearing has introduced hefty fines (starting at &euro;40,000) and potential suspensions for repeat offenders. Drivers have also raised concerns about transparency regarding fine money, recent FIA staff changes, and Ben Sulayem&rsquo;s own behaviour. Expect fireworks both on and off the track.
<h2>The showdown</h2>
With multiple title contenders, inter-team battles, and off-track controversies, the 2025 F1 season promises to be one of the most unpredictable in years. Can Norris finally take the crown, or will Verstappen and Hamilton rewrite the record books once again?
(With inputs from agencies)

F1, Sports: Formula 1 prepares to embark on what could be one of the most competitive and open seasons in years at the Australian Grand Prix this weekend

Lando Norris enters the 2025 Formula 1 season as the favourite, but history—and fierce competition—stand in his way. His friend-turned-rival Max Verstappen is chasing a fifth consecutive title, a feat achieved only by legendary Michael Schumacher. Like Schumacher, Verstappen is a relentless competitor, unafraid to push boundaries—a trait Norris has learned the hard way. Adding to the challenge, Lewis Hamilton embarks on a new chapter with Ferrari, aiming for a record-breaking eighth championship. The Italian team, hungry for its first drivers' title since 2007, is determined to make Hamilton's arrival a historic one. Norris under pressure as favourite McLaren’s strong finish in 2024 established Norris as a top contender, but the field is tighter than ever. Preseason testing suggests McLaren remains competitive, but threats loom from multiple directions. Verstappen is still a force to be reckoned with, Hamilton is rejuvenated at Ferrari, and Norris' own teammate, Oscar Piastri, is eager to make his mark. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) and George Russell (Mercedes) add further unpredictability to a season that could be the closest in years. Despite the weight of expectations, Norris insists he thrives under pressure. "I know coming into this season that for a lot of people I'm the favourite," he said. "I've always done much better under pressure. I'm able to think and to focus much more." Verstappen: The man to beat Ever since his dramatic 2021 title win over Hamilton, Verstappen has dominated the sport. Some questioned whether his motivation would wane, but his performance in 2024, where he frequently pushed Norris to the limit and beyond, proved otherwise. "My motivation is there because last year was not straightforward," Verstappen said. "We had good wins, but not as many as we would have liked. But we still won the championship." Despite internal tensions at Red Bull, Verstappen remains settled and confident, calling the team his "second family" as he enters his 11th F1 season. Hamilton’s Ferrari gamble For Hamilton, 2025 is about legacy. A title would make him the undisputed greatest champion in F1 history with eight championships. His switch to Ferrari has electrified fans, some of whom even cut down a tree to get a glimpse of him testing the new SF-25. "I know what a winning team looks and feels like," Hamilton said. "The passion here is like nothing you've ever seen. They have everything they need to win a championship—it's just about putting the pieces together." Wild cards Mercedes, after struggling with car issues, showed strong late-season form in 2024, with Russell securing key victories. He’s joined by 18-year-old rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, mentored by Hamilton. Meanwhile, teams like Aston Martin may shift focus early to their 2026 development, given the upcoming regulation changes. FIA vs Drivers Beyond the racing, tensions are brewing between drivers and the sport’s governing body, the FIA. President Mohammed Ben Sulayem’s crackdown on driver swearing has introduced hefty fines (starting at €40,000) and potential suspensions for repeat offenders. Drivers have also raised concerns about transparency regarding fine money, recent FIA staff changes, and Ben Sulayem’s own behaviour. Expect fireworks both on and off the track. The showdown With multiple title contenders, inter-team battles, and off-track controversies, the 2025 F1 season promises to be one of the most unpredictable in years. Can Norris finally take the crown, or will Verstappen and Hamilton rewrite the record books once again? (With inputs from agencies)

Excitement builds as Australian GP marks start of F1 2025: New title contender, high hopes, and Hamilton’s Ferrari debut

Red Bull will be wary of McLaren's Lando&nbsp;Norris&nbsp;at a home Austrian Grand Prix that Max Verstappen has dominated in the past but this time looks a tight battle between the two. The 11th round of the Formula One season is a sprint weekend, for the third time this year, with a 100km race at Spielberg's Red Bull Ring on Saturday before the main event on Sunday.

Red Bull's triple world champion, cheered on by his orange army of travelling fans, will hope to stretch the 69-point lead he enjoys over closest challenger&nbsp;Norris&nbsp;in the papaya-liveried McLaren. Norris&nbsp;has a point to make after taking pole in Spain last Sunday and finishing second. He was also runner-up in Canada -- both races the 24-year-old felt he should have won.

Spielberg is the shortest lap, in terms of time, on the calendar with Verstappen taking pole last year in just over 64 seconds. "On such a short lap it's going to be so tight," said Red Bull principal Christian Horner. "We expect Mclaren and Lando to be fast again. Ferrari, Mercedes, who knows? If you look at the gap to those guys after the (Spanish) race it was pretty similar to last year. The one who's stepped up is Lando. "We're having to fight really hard for the wins at the moment and we're having to be on the top of our game as a team ..., that's Formula One, that's as it should be."

Winner in Miami in May,&nbsp;Norris&nbsp;was also runner-up in Imola and China while last year's Austrian race won by Verstappen, for the fourth time in six years, was where McLaren brought breakthrough upgrades. The Briton has now finished second 10 times in 23 races. He was 2.2 seconds behind Verstappen in Barcelona and 3.8 adrift in Canada. The gap at Imola was 0.7 and he beat the Dutch driver by 7.6 in Miami.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/copa-america-2024-lautaro-martinezs-late-strike-sends-argentina-into-quarterfinal-735153">Copa America 2024: Lautaro Martinez's late strike sends Argentina into quarterfinal</a>

Austria, and then Silverstone, are favourite circuits where he has gone well in the past. "We're on a good roll. We're doing well ... I need to just tidy up a few little bits and we'll be on top," he said in Spain. "I'm confident. Every weekend we go into now, the car's performing extremely well. We're always there or thereabouts within a couple of tenths of pole."

Verstappen and&nbsp;Norris's team mates, Sergio Perez and Oscar Piastri, will be hoping to get in on the act after disappointing results in Spain -- the Mexican only eighth and Australian seventh.

Mercedes and Ferrari should be in the mix, with seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton taking his first podium of the season with Mercedes in Spain and Ferrari's Carlos Sainz holding the race lap record at the Red Bull Ring, albeit from 2020.

"It is a very different circuit to last weekend," cautioned Mercedes boss Toto Wolff. "There is plenty of low to mid-speed content, punctuated by some longer straights. That will provide another challenge and reference point for our car."

The chaos of last year, with the results revised five hours after the finish following a flurry of penalties to nearly half the field for exceeding track limits, should no longer be a concern with a strip of gravel added to turns nine and 10.

Red Bull will be wary of McLaren's Lando Norris at a home Austrian Grand Prix that Max Verstappen has dominated in the past but this time looks a tight battle between the two.

Red Bull will be wary of McLaren's Lando Norris at a home Austrian Grand Prix that Max Verstappen has dominated in the past but this time looks a tight battle between the two. The 11th round of the Formula One season is a sprint weekend, for the third time this year, with a 100km race at Spielberg's Red Bull Ring on Saturday before the main event on Sunday. Red Bull's triple world champion, cheered on by his orange army of travelling fans, will hope to stretch the 69-point lead he enjoys over closest challenger Norris in the papaya-liveried McLaren. Norris has a point to make after taking pole in Spain last Sunday and finishing second. He was also runner-up in Canada -- both races the 24-year-old felt he should have won. Spielberg is the shortest lap, in terms of time, on the calendar with Verstappen taking pole last year in just over 64 seconds. "On such a short lap it's going to be so tight," said Red Bull principal Christian Horner. "We expect Mclaren and Lando to be fast again. Ferrari, Mercedes, who knows? If you look at the gap to those guys after the (Spanish) race it was pretty similar to last year. The one who's stepped up is Lando. "We're having to fight really hard for the wins at the moment and we're having to be on the top of our game as a team ..., that's Formula One, that's as it should be." Winner in Miami in May, Norris was also runner-up in Imola and China while last year's Austrian race won by Verstappen, for the fourth time in six years, was where McLaren brought breakthrough upgrades. The Briton has now finished second 10 times in 23 races. He was 2.2 seconds behind Verstappen in Barcelona and 3.8 adrift in Canada. The gap at Imola was 0.7 and he beat the Dutch driver by 7.6 in Miami. Also read: Copa America 2024: Lautaro Martinez's late strike sends Argentina into quarterfinal Austria, and then Silverstone, are favourite circuits where he has gone well in the past. "We're on a good roll. We're doing well ... I need to just tidy up a few little bits and we'll be on top," he said in Spain. "I'm confident. Every weekend we go into now, the car's performing extremely well. We're always there or thereabouts within a couple of tenths of pole." Verstappen and Norris's team mates, Sergio Perez and Oscar Piastri, will be hoping to get in on the act after disappointing results in Spain -- the Mexican only eighth and Australian seventh. Mercedes and Ferrari should be in the mix, with seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton taking his first podium of the season with Mercedes in Spain and Ferrari's Carlos Sainz holding the race lap record at the Red Bull Ring, albeit from 2020. "It is a very different circuit to last weekend," cautioned Mercedes boss Toto Wolff. "There is plenty of low to mid-speed content, punctuated by some longer straights. That will provide another challenge and reference point for our car." The chaos of last year, with the results revised five hours after the finish following a flurry of penalties to nearly half the field for exceeding track limits, should no longer be a concern with a strip of gravel added to turns nine and 10.

Red Bull wary of McLaren's Lando Norris ahead of home Austrian race

Mercedes driver George Russell's Australian Grand Prix race came to a horror end as his car suffered a major shunt and flipped onto its side, right in the middle of a live track. A spine-tingling radio conversation of Russell with his team has now gone viral on social media showing how terrified the Briton was of being smacked from behind by the speeding cars.&nbsp;

The incident transpired on the final lap of the race as Russell attempted to make a late dash to overtake Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso. However, right on the apex, Russell lost control of the car, glided into the gravel trap, and slammed into the wall before the tyres came unhinged, which flipped the car onto its side.&nbsp;

Concerned that he was a sitting duck, Russell, with horror in his voice, begged for the race to be stopped, or in racing terms - red-flagged.&nbsp;

"Red flag, red flag, red flag," he yelled. "I'm in the middle of the track. Red flag, red flag! Red, red, red, red, red. I'm in the middle. Red! F***ing hell."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
George Russell shouted for a red flag after his crash which left him on his side in the middle of the track. 
 
There was no red flag deployed, instead a VSC was deployed. 
 
The panic in his voice is…. terrifying. 
 
<a href="https://t.co/WcXgeTs6Zy">pic.twitter.com/WcXgeTs6Zy</a>
— Mercedes-AMG F1 News (@MercedesNewsUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/MercedesNewsUK/status/1771830141527670985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Despite Russell's plea, the race director only opted for a virtual safety car and the race was brought to a close. Fortunately, the drivers behind Russell did not wallop through the blind corner and managed to circumvent the debris and the crashed car carefully.&nbsp;

After the safety car was deployed, Russell was extracted out of the car and taken to the paddock safely.

“I really don’t know what happened, to be honest. I was half a second behind Fernando on the entry of the corner and then suddenly, before the apex, I was right on his gearbox and lost the car, ran wide," said Russell.

The stewards summoned both Russell and Alonso to their room and took stock of the situation.&nbsp;A few hours later, Alonso was handed a 20-second post-race penalty, which saw him dropped from sixth to eighth place.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/f1-carlos-sainz-wins-australian-gp-in-comeback-race-verstappen-hamilton-retire-703667">Also read |&nbsp;F1: Carlos Sainz wins Australian GP in comeback race; Verstappen, Hamilton retire</a>

<h2>Fans worried</h2>

Fans were also worried about Russell's situation which could have easily turned awry.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"That was so scary. I can't imagine being in that position," a netizen said, while another commented:&nbsp;"Glad everyone (especially the car behind) slow down enough and nothing major happened. One miscommunication and he's on firing line of other cars with 200++ kph."

Another added: "For real, imagine crashing, your car being sideways with you still buckled in, it's a high-speed corner, you're laying head first and are surrounded by a cloud of dust so nobody can see you coming around that corner."

Russell crashing out meant Mercedes went home without any points from the Australian GP as Lewis Hamilton had retired, earlier in the race after suffering a power unit failure.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Mercedes driver George Russell's Australian Grand Prix race came to a horror end as his car suffered a major shunt and flipped onto its side, right in the middle of a live track.

Mercedes driver George Russell's Australian Grand Prix race came to a horror end as his car suffered a major shunt and flipped onto its side, right in the middle of a live track. A spine-tingling radio conversation of Russell with his team has now gone viral on social media showing how terrified the Briton was of being smacked from behind by the speeding cars. The incident transpired on the final lap of the race as Russell attempted to make a late dash to overtake Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso. However, right on the apex, Russell lost control of the car, glided into the gravel trap, and slammed into the wall before the tyres came unhinged, which flipped the car onto its side. Concerned that he was a sitting duck, Russell, with horror in his voice, begged for the race to be stopped, or in racing terms - red-flagged. "Red flag, red flag, red flag," he yelled. "I'm in the middle of the track. Red flag, red flag! Red, red, red, red, red. I'm in the middle. Red! F***ing hell." George Russell shouted for a red flag after his crash which left him on his side in the middle of the track. There was no red flag deployed, instead a VSC was deployed. The panic in his voice is…. terrifying. pic.twitter.com/WcXgeTs6Zy — Mercedes-AMG F1 News (@MercedesNewsUK) March 24, 2024 × Despite Russell's plea, the race director only opted for a virtual safety car and the race was brought to a close. Fortunately, the drivers behind Russell did not wallop through the blind corner and managed to circumvent the debris and the crashed car carefully. After the safety car was deployed, Russell was extracted out of the car and taken to the paddock safely. “I really don’t know what happened, to be honest. I was half a second behind Fernando on the entry of the corner and then suddenly, before the apex, I was right on his gearbox and lost the car, ran wide," said Russell. The stewards summoned both Russell and Alonso to their room and took stock of the situation. A few hours later, Alonso was handed a 20-second post-race penalty, which saw him dropped from sixth to eighth place. Also read | F1: Carlos Sainz wins Australian GP in comeback race; Verstappen, Hamilton retire Fans worried Fans were also worried about Russell's situation which could have easily turned awry. "That was so scary. I can't imagine being in that position," a netizen said, while another commented: "Glad everyone (especially the car behind) slow down enough and nothing major happened. One miscommunication and he's on firing line of other cars with 200++ kph." Another added: "For real, imagine crashing, your car being sideways with you still buckled in, it's a high-speed corner, you're laying head first and are surrounded by a cloud of dust so nobody can see you coming around that corner." Russell crashing out meant Mercedes went home without any points from the Australian GP as Lewis Hamilton had retired, earlier in the race after suffering a power unit failure. (With inputs from agencies)

George Russell’s terrifying scream for help as his Mercedes flips during horror Australian GP crash

Formula One’s Australian Grand Prix has been postponed to November while China’s race has been put on hold indefinitely as COVID-19 forced the 2021 calendar shuffle on Tuesday. While the Australian GP, usually the season-opener, was delayed from March to November, no new date has been given for the Chinese GP, which is normally held in April.&nbsp;

The latest development means a second consecutive season of F1 has been disrupted by the dreaded virus, which was delayed and cut short into 17 races last year.&nbsp;

Formula One 2021 will now commence in Bahrain on March 28, a week later than the originally scheduled start in&nbsp;Melbourne.&nbsp;

"The&nbsp;global pandemic has not yet allowed life to return to normal, but we showed in 2020 that we can race safely as the first international sport to return," F1 president Stefano&nbsp;Domenicali&nbsp;said in a statement.&nbsp;

Many of the F1 teams are based in England where COVID-19 cases are surging due to a more infectious new variant, further complicating the matter.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-hamilton-to-ronaldo-athletes-who-tested-positive-for-covid-19-in-2020-352776" hreflang="en">From Hamilton to Ronaldo: Athletes who tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020</a>

Domenicali&nbsp;said that talks were still underway about the Chinese Grand Prix. However, an F1 statement stated that the Shanghai race would be conducted&nbsp;"later in the season if possible", citing travel restrictions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Obviously, the virus situation remains fluid, but we have the experience from last season with all our partners and promoters to adapt accordingly and safely in 2021,"&nbsp;Domenicali&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Formula One&nbsp;organisers&nbsp;said that they expect crowds to return for the 2021 F1 season after the previous season was held behind closed doors in 2020.&nbsp;

Italy’s Imola race is now back on the calendar as it takes the Chinese slot on April 18 with the location of a race scheduled for May 2 is yet to be announced.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thailand-open-indias-kidambi-srikanth-left-with-bloodied-nose-after-swab-collection-expresses-frustration-356248" hreflang="en">Thailand Open: India's Kidambi Srikanth left with bloodied nose after swab collection, expresses frustration</a>

The Australian Grand Prix will be held on November 21, soon after the races in the United States, Mexico and Brazil and will be followed by Saudi Arabia and season showdown in Abu Dhabi.&nbsp;

The Australian GP was called off in 2020, hours before the first practice session of the year as one McLaren team member tested positive for coronavirus. The pandemic resulted in&nbsp;organisers&nbsp;reducing the 2020 season to just 17 events from the usual 22 races.&nbsp;

"As the third-last race of the season, this provides the opportunity to safely host what could be the championship-decider in Melbourne in the lead-in to summer," said Australian Grand Prix chairman Paul Little.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We'd like to thank our loyal motorsport fans and employees for their understanding in these challenging times."&nbsp;

Australia have been successful in&nbsp;suppressing&nbsp;the virus and has held major sporting events including India’s ongoing cricket tour and next month’s Australian Open. However, the travel restrictions remain a major hurdle for the athletes.&nbsp;

Formula One’s Australian Grand Prix has been postponed to November while China’s race has been put on hold indefinitely as COVID-19 forced the 2021 calendar shuffle on Tuesday.

Formula One’s Australian Grand Prix has been postponed to November while China’s race has been put on hold indefinitely as COVID-19 forced the 2021 calendar shuffle on Tuesday. While the Australian GP, usually the season-opener, was delayed from March to November, no new date has been given for the Chinese GP, which is normally held in April. The latest development means a second consecutive season of F1 has been disrupted by the dreaded virus, which was delayed and cut short into 17 races last year. Formula One 2021 will now commence in Bahrain on March 28, a week later than the originally scheduled start in Melbourne. "The global pandemic has not yet allowed life to return to normal, but we showed in 2020 that we can race safely as the first international sport to return," F1 president Stefano Domenicali said in a statement. Many of the F1 teams are based in England where COVID-19 cases are surging due to a more infectious new variant, further complicating the matter. ALSO READ: From Hamilton to Ronaldo: Athletes who tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020 Domenicali said that talks were still underway about the Chinese Grand Prix. However, an F1 statement stated that the Shanghai race would be conducted "later in the season if possible", citing travel restrictions. "Obviously, the virus situation remains fluid, but we have the experience from last season with all our partners and promoters to adapt accordingly and safely in 2021," Domenicali said. Formula One organisers said that they expect crowds to return for the 2021 F1 season after the previous season was held behind closed doors in 2020. Italy’s Imola race is now back on the calendar as it takes the Chinese slot on April 18 with the location of a race scheduled for May 2 is yet to be announced. ALSO READ: Thailand Open: India's Kidambi Srikanth left with bloodied nose after swab collection, expresses frustration The Australian Grand Prix will be held on November 21, soon after the races in the United States, Mexico and Brazil and will be followed by Saudi Arabia and season showdown in Abu Dhabi. The Australian GP was called off in 2020, hours before the first practice session of the year as one McLaren team member tested positive for coronavirus. The pandemic resulted in organisers reducing the 2020 season to just 17 events from the usual 22 races. "As the third-last race of the season, this provides the opportunity to safely host what could be the championship-decider in Melbourne in the lead-in to summer," said Australian Grand Prix chairman Paul Little. "We'd like to thank our loyal motorsport fans and employees for their understanding in these challenging times." Australia have been successful in suppressing the virus and has held major sporting events including India’s ongoing cricket tour and next month’s Australian Open. However, the travel restrictions remain a major hurdle for the athletes.

Formula One: Australian GP shifted to November, Chinese GP put on hold indefinitely

Sebastian Vettel out-manoeuvred Lewis Hamilton and the world champion Mercedes team with a stunning victory in the season-opening Australian Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne on Sunday.

Vettel won by almost 10 seconds from Hamilton and Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas in a commanding victory of tactics and speed around the Albert Street circuit.

It was Ferrari&#39;s first win in Melbourne since Kimi Raikkonen&#39;s victory in 2007 and Vettel&#39;s second in Australia after winning the 2011 race with Red Bull.

It was a major fillip for the new season after Ferrari&#39;s superior pre-season test times as they chase their first world constructors&#39; title since 2008.

It was the German four-time world champion&#39;s fourth win for Ferrari and his first since Singapore in 2015 and his 43rd career win.

Ferrari got the better of Mercedes in the sole round of tyre changes which ultimately decided the race.

Hamilton&#39;s early stop meant he rejoined behind the Red Bull of Max Verstappen which allowed Vettel to open up&nbsp;decisive gap at the head of the field.

Ferrari&#39;s Kimi Raikkonen was fourth with Verstappen &nbsp;fifth ahead of Brazilian Felipe Massa in the Williams.

Australia&#39;s big hope Daniel Ricciardo had a heartbreaking day with gear box problems ending his race on the 29th lap after he was forced to start from pit lane when his Red Bull car broke down on the warm-up lap.

(AFP)

Finland?s Valtteri Bottas completed the podium on his debut for Mercedes

Sebastian Vettel out-manoeuvred Lewis Hamilton and the world champion Mercedes team with a stunning victory in the season-opening Australian Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne on Sunday. Vettel won by almost 10 seconds from Hamilton and Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas in a commanding victory of tactics and speed around the Albert Street circuit. It was Ferrari's first win in Melbourne since Kimi Raikkonen's victory in 2007 and Vettel's second in Australia after winning the 2011 race with Red Bull. It was a major fillip for the new season after Ferrari's superior pre-season test times as they chase their first world constructors' title since 2008. It was the German four-time world champion's fourth win for Ferrari and his first since Singapore in 2015 and his 43rd career win. Ferrari got the better of Mercedes in the sole round of tyre changes which ultimately decided the race. Hamilton's early stop meant he rejoined behind the Red Bull of Max Verstappen which allowed Vettel to open up decisive gap at the head of the field. Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen was fourth with Verstappen fifth ahead of Brazilian Felipe Massa in the Williams. Australia's big hope Daniel Ricciardo had a heartbreaking day with gear box problems ending his race on the 29th lap after he was forced to start from pit lane when his Red Bull car broke down on the warm-up lap. (AFP)

Vettel beats Hamilton to win Australian GP

Lewis Hamilton sizzled in the opening practice sessions at the Australian Grand Prix as he sent an ominous message to his rivals for the new Formula One season on Friday.

The triple world champion&nbsp;bossed the field in the afternoon run to hold a half-second gap over Ferrari title rival Sebastian Vettel and his new Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas.

Hamilton followed up his field-leading fastest lap of 1:24.220 in the first session with a blistering 1:23.620 around Albert Park in the late afternoon.

It was around one-tenth of a second off Vettel&#39;s record lap in Melbourne of 1:23.529, posted for Red Bull in qualifying ahead of his 2011 race victory.

Ferrari were expected to press Hamilton and the Mercedes team after superior times in pre-season testing, but on the evidence of the opening two sessions Hamilton again looked the driver to beat in Sunday&#39;s race.

Hamilton&#39;s time was more than three seconds faster than his best lap in last year&#39;s corresponding free practice in Melbourne.

Finland&#39;s Bottas slotted smoothly into the Mercedes team environment with a best lap of&nbsp;1:24.176.

Ferrari improved on their opening practice with Vettel unleashing the second best lap time in FP2 with 1:24.167 while team-mate Kimi Raikkonen was fourth with 1:24.525.

The Red Bulls of Daniel Ricciardo&nbsp;and&nbsp;Max Verstappen&nbsp;were over a second behind Hamilton and half-a-second off Vettel&#39;s Ferrari.

&quot;Daniel&#39;s not quite got the balance that he wants. I think a couple of changes we&#39;ve made on the car over lunch he&#39;s not liked so we&#39;re going back on them now,&quot; team boss Christian Horner said.

&quot;Hopefully we can get a sensible long run-in.&nbsp;You can see Lewis has probably got four or five-tenths on the field but after that it could be pretty tight.

&quot;We know Ferrari have had a good winter but we&#39;re hopeful we can close that overnight. We&#39;ll get a better indication tomorrow but we&#39;ve got some work to do tonight.&quot;

The second session was stopped after a big crash for Renault&#39;s Jolyon Palmer, who lost the rear of his car on the last corner and spun into the barriers.

&quot;I&#39;m fine,&quot; Palmer told his team over the radio. The shunt damaged the car&#39;s rear suspension, while the rear wing was detached.

Palmer missed the remainder of the session, in a blow to his preparations for the weekend race.

Brazilian Felipe Massa&nbsp;stopped his&nbsp;Williams&nbsp;car at Turn 11 after reporting he could not engage gears, and walked back to the team garage.

The troubled McLaren team had no on-track breakdowns on the opening day with Fernando Alonso finishing in a respectable 12th place.

(AFP)

The triple world champion?bossed the field in the afternoon run to hold a half-second gap over Ferrari title rival Sebastian Vettel

Lewis Hamilton sizzled in the opening practice sessions at the Australian Grand Prix as he sent an ominous message to his rivals for the new Formula One season on Friday. The triple world champion bossed the field in the afternoon run to hold a half-second gap over Ferrari title rival Sebastian Vettel and his new Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas. Hamilton followed up his field-leading fastest lap of 1:24.220 in the first session with a blistering 1:23.620 around Albert Park in the late afternoon. It was around one-tenth of a second off Vettel's record lap in Melbourne of 1:23.529, posted for Red Bull in qualifying ahead of his 2011 race victory. Ferrari were expected to press Hamilton and the Mercedes team after superior times in pre-season testing, but on the evidence of the opening two sessions Hamilton again looked the driver to beat in Sunday's race. Hamilton's time was more than three seconds faster than his best lap in last year's corresponding free practice in Melbourne. Finland's Bottas slotted smoothly into the Mercedes team environment with a best lap of 1:24.176. Ferrari improved on their opening practice with Vettel unleashing the second best lap time in FP2 with 1:24.167 while team-mate Kimi Raikkonen was fourth with 1:24.525. The Red Bulls of Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen were over a second behind Hamilton and half-a-second off Vettel's Ferrari. "Daniel's not quite got the balance that he wants. I think a couple of changes we've made on the car over lunch he's not liked so we're going back on them now," team boss Christian Horner said. "Hopefully we can get a sensible long run-in. You can see Lewis has probably got four or five-tenths on the field but after that it could be pretty tight. "We know Ferrari have had a good winter but we're hopeful we can close that overnight. We'll get a better indication tomorrow but we've got some work to do tonight." The second session was stopped after a big crash for Renault's Jolyon Palmer, who lost the rear of his car on the last corner and spun into the barriers. "I'm fine," Palmer told his team over the radio. The shunt damaged the car's rear suspension, while the rear wing was detached. Palmer missed the remainder of the session, in a blow to his preparations for the weekend race. Brazilian Felipe Massa stopped his Williams car at Turn 11 after reporting he could not engage gears, and walked back to the team garage. The troubled McLaren team had no on-track breakdowns on the opening day with Fernando Alonso finishing in a respectable 12th place. (AFP)

Australian GP: Hamilton sizzles in practice sessions

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