The Formula 1 Australian GP suffered indirect impacts from the crisis in the Middle East, with Qatar Airways, the category’s official partner, cancelling all hospitality events planned for the weekend in Melbourne.
Read more F1: Brundle says Aston Martin has a long way to go to recover performance
According to reports from The Australian Financial Review, the airline decided to suspend its celebrations and invitations, out of respect for the people affected by the conflict in the region, which involves Iran, the United States, and Israel. Countries such as Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have been targets of missile and drone attacks since the start of the conflict.
At the Australian GP, Qatar Airways was responsible for high-profile events, including a VIP dinner on Friday night at the Marmelo restaurant, as well as invitations to the F1 Paddock Club. Both events were cancelled, and guests received notifications by phone informing them of the cancellation.
Read more F1: Middle East GPs should not be replaced by races in Europe
A Qatar Airways spokesperson explained that the decision was made ‘in light of the situation and out of respect for the people impacted’. He stated: “Due to the ongoing closure of Qatar’s airspace and the temporary suspension of Qatar Airways operations, the company has postponed the events planned for media and partners in Melbourne this weekend”.
The cancellation occurs even without a direct impact of the crisis on Australian territory, but highlights how international instability can affect Formula 1 and its commercial partners. Furthermore, there is concern that the upcoming rounds in the Middle East, including Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, could be postponed or cancelled due to security concerns, which could leave F1 without races for a period of about a month.
Read more F1: McLaren explains why Norris completed few laps in Melbourne
