Freight delays and canceled tests disrupt Formula 1's tight schedule again
Formula 1 operations have again faced disruption due to freight delays, marking the second weekend in a row of logistical challenges. The issues have prompted schedule changes, with the FIA adjusting timings ahead of the upcoming race.
Pirelli, the sport's tire supplier, has also encountered difficulties, leading to the cancellation of a planned test in Bahrain next year.
The latest delays follow similar problems last season at the Shanghai International Circuit. In 2025, teams such as McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull, and Aston Martin were affected by freight hold-ups. This time, the FIA has reduced the restricted period 1 by six hours on Wednesday for this event only.
Pirelli had been set to conduct a two-day tire test in Sakhir, Bahrain, on February 28 and March 1, 2026. However, rising military tensions in the Middle East forced its cancellation. The company prioritised staff safety, keeping employees in hotels before arranging their return to Italy and the UK.
New rules for tire preparation have also been introduced. Only six operational team members per entrant will now be allowed to assist with tire setups after mounting by the supplier.
The ongoing freight delays have forced the FIA to adapt schedules for the second consecutive race weekend. Pirelli's cancelled test in Bahrain adds to the logistical strain, with safety concerns taking precedence. Teams will now operate under stricter tire preparation limits during the event.
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