Formula 1 tracking effects of Australia's bushfires on Melbourne

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Formula 1 and Australian Grand Prix organisers are assessing a potential threat to the opening round of the F1 world championship in Melbourne as the effects of the country's massive bushfires hit the city.

Australia's bushfires, which started months ago, spiraled out of control at the end of December, devastating land, homes and wildlife mainly in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, where 25 people have died.

Ricciardo to auction race suit to help Australia bushfire victims

Unfortunately, the impact of the fires has extended well beyond the ravaged areas. Canberra is now the city with the worst air quality in the world, but the smoke haze is also lingering in Melbourne, the capital of Victoria.

Air quality in the city reached a "poor" level at the start of the week and is forecast to reach "very poor" by Thursday. Organisers of outdoor events are mulling cancellations or delays, and organisers of the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament are closely monitoring the situation.

While the Australian Grand Prix is still two months away, The Formula One Group and the race's promoters are tracking environmental developments and assessing any potential hazards that could threaten the season-opening March 15 event.

Formula 1 will likely set-up a series of initiatives destined to raise funds for the country's various relief services.

Renault's Daniel Ricciardo has announced that he will auction a race suit during the Melbourne Grand Prix weekend, with all proceeds going to the victims of the bushfires.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.