Formula 1 teams successfully pushed back against a last-minute FIA intervention at the Australian Grand Prix that would have removed straight mode 4 between Turns 8 and 9. The governing body deemed the section unsafe for flat-out running with open wings, but teams argued the timing and scope of the change was problematic.

Seven of 11 teams reportedly faced downforce issues in the section, with Audi among those requesting action. The FIA's single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis explained the decision was based purely on safety concerns, as some drivers expressed fear about losing control in the high-speed kinks. However, the measure was reversed less than an hour before final practice after teams raised concerns about competitive fairness and the short notice.

Teams criticized the 9:45am Australian time announcement, which came just 2.5 hours before FP3 and without consultation with technical directors. The proposed change would have forced teams to adjust set-ups and power unit deployment strategies that had been optimized over weeks of preparation. The controversy highlights ongoing challenges with Formula 1's new regulations and energy management systems, particularly at circuits like Melbourne that are already difficult for energy harvesting.