F1 live: Middle East chaos causes disruption before start of new season in Melbourne

The new Formula 1 season begins this weekend in Australia with new rules and regulations in place LiveupdatedThe Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. F1F1 live: Middle East chaos causes disruption before start of new season in MelbourneThe new Formula 1 season begins this weekend in Australia with new rules and regulations in placeKieran Jackson F1 Correspondent, in Melbourne & Michael JonesWednesday 04 March 2026 09:23 GMTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popoverMcLaren Racing driver Oscar Piastri at home with Australian fans as the new Formula 1 season racesYour support helps us to tell the storyRead moreSupport NowFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.Read moreFormula 1 is back and ready for a new era as the start of the 2026 begins this weekend in Melbourne, Australia. There are new rules, new cars, new teams and a whole heap of changes that make the upcoming season an exciting and, for now at least, unpredictable prospect. Pre-season testing is done and dusted and the new engine and chassis regulations threaten to alter the pecking order in the sport. McLaren won both world championships in 2025 ahead of Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari but it is Mercedes who look strongest ahead of race one with George Russell being backed to win a first world championship title. Yet, Lewis Hamilton has been buoyant and enters the season with hopes of an record eighth title renewed as the regulation changes and smaller cars should suit his style of driving. Should Ferrari deliver him a championship challenging car the only question remains is if the 41-year still has the race pace to outclass the rest of the field. Elsewhere, the conflict in the Middle East has limited travel restrictions in the region with flights grounded and F1 has been forced to alter their travel plans in order to get all the teams, including new boys Cadillac, to Australia for the first week of racing. Follow along for all the latest updates from the 2026 F1 season opener in Melbourne: RecommendedWhen does 2026 F1 season start?New rules, new hope? Why Lewis Hamilton’s 2026 season is F1 legend’s final roll of the diceMotorsport event in Qatar postponed as F1 faces big decision on Middle East racesF1 news liveThe 2026 Formula 1 season begins in Melbourne this weekendThe new season sees a change in rules and regulations with DRS replacedCadillac enter F1 and become 11th team on the grid New rules, new hope? Why Lewis Hamilton’s 2026 season is F1 legend’s final roll of the diceWhat is new this season? With fresh rules incoming after a thrilling 2025 Formula 1 season, attention quickly turns to the new season and changes which could shake-up the pecking order.New engine and chassis regulations in 2026 mean the teams – including F1’s new outfit, Cadillac – will undergo three different pre-season tests, one in Barcelona and two in Bahrain.Then, the season gets underway with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, the sport’s traditional curtain-raiser.The 2026 campaign will again be a 24-race season, with a street race in Madrid in September the only new event on the schedule.Mike Jones4 March 2026 09:23Good morning!Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the new Formula 1 season. We’ll have all the latest news and updates throughout the day as we look ahead to the weekend and the opening race of the 2026 campaign in Melbourne. With new cars, new rules and new teams, this year looks set to be bigger and better than ever before so there’s plenty for us to get stuck into. Without further ado...Mike Jones4 March 2026 09:10More aboutMelbourneMiddle EastLewis HamiltonFerrariJoin our commenting forumJoin thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their repliesCommentsMost popularPopular videosBulletinRead next