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F1 LIVE: Sergio Perez out of qualifying at Australian Grand Prix

A fit and well Daniel Ricciardo would be ready to race a Red Bull car in Formula One at the drop of a hat if required, team boss Christian Horner said on Friday.

After departing McLaren at the end of last year’s championship, Ricciardo is taking a sabbatical from F1 this season as Red Bull’s third driver behind champion Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez. The eight-times grand prix winner, one of the sport’s most popular characters, had “thrown himself” into his new role, Horner said at the Australian Grand Prix on Friday.

“I’d say he’s about 10 minutes away from being ready (to race),” added Horner.

Max Verstappen was quickest in first practice, while Fernando Alonso was fastest in an FP2 impacted by rain in Melbourne. Click HERE to discover all the key timings this weekend and details on how to watch qualifying and the race in Melbourne.

Follow reaction from F1 practice at the Australian Grand Prix

F1 PRACTICE - AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX UPDATES

Lewis Hamilton makes weekend prediction after Friday practice

Friday 31 March 2023 17:29 , Kieran Jackson

Asked what he could accomplish in qualifying on Saturday, Hamilton said: “We won’t be competing against the Red Bulls.

“It’s just about trying to compete as high as possible, fifth if possible - same as the last race.”

The seven-time world champion finished in a dry first practice on Friday but 13th in a wet-affected FP2 later in the afternoon.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Daniel Ricciardo shaped void will take some filling by Oscar Piastri at Australian GP

Friday 31 March 2023 16:59 , Kieran Jackson

Feature by Kieran Jackson

It may surprise you to know that Formula 1’s all-time grand prix attendance record – all the way back to 1950 – is not at one of Europe’s trademark tracks. Nor is it in the United States, the sport’s new epicentre which is staging three races this year. It is in fact in Australia: 520,000 over four days in Adelaide in 1995.

In modern-day terms, however, this year is significant for Adelaide’s substitute since 1996, Albert Park in Melbourne. While the US Grand Prix in Austin brought in 440,000 punters last year, the 2023 Australian Grand Prix is expected to bring in a figure 10,000 north of that over the four days of running, with support races taking to the track yesterday.

Yet for a country so in love with sport, and sporting idols, a new hometown hero has entered the fray in Formula 1, as another falls by the wayside.

Credit to Daniel Ricciardo. On the whole, having raced in Formula 1 for 11-and-a-half years before his brutal axing by McLaren last year, the 33-year-old has conducted himself impeccably despite his career spiralling downhill quicker than anyone – let alone he - envisaged.

In the end, a ‘third driver’ seat at his former employers Red Bull was all that was left. A no-brainer for the constructors’ champions given Ricciardo’s marketing aura and, lo and behold, the Aussie was seen speaking and mingling at numerous hospitality events on Friday.

Ricciardo shaped void will take some filling by Piastri at Australian Grand Prix

George Russell, speaking after both sessions:

Friday 31 March 2023 16:29 , Kieran Jackson

“FP2 was a bit frustrating for everyone. Reasonable session for us - made a step from FP1. Let’s see what tomorrow brings - I know there’s a bit of rain around tomorrow so we’d be happy to see it spice up.

“We made a lot of setup changes over the break, getting the car into a nice window as the weekend progresses. We need to see how it translates tomorrow, FP1 I wasn’t very happy but FP2 much happier.

“The third row, between P5 and P8, is where we’re looking at the moment. Not where we want to be, I know we’ve got more to come in a couple of races. But got to maximise the weekend.”

Sergio Perez responds after accusations Max Verstappen’s dad snubbed Saudi GP victory

Friday 31 March 2023 15:59 , Kieran Jackson

Sergio Perez said he has patched up his differences with title rival Max Verstappen’s father following his victory snub in Saudi Arabia.

Perez heads into the third round of the season in Melbourne just one point behind his teammate in the standings, and is effectively Verstappen’s sole championship challenger given the dominance of Red Bull’s machinery this season.

A fortnight ago in Jeddah, Jos Verstappen sparked a social media storm when he kept a straight face and failed to offer a congratulatory handshake to Perez as the Mexican celebrated with his Red Bull mechanics.

Max Verstappen finished runner-up to Perez after he started 15th following a driveshaft failure in qualifying.

The footage portrayed a divided Red Bull camp, but speaking to the PA news agency, Perez insisted: “I have a good relationship with Jos. We respect each other. We know this is sport, and that is how we treat it.

“We shook hands but they probably didn’t show that. I saw a few things were written on social media, but sometimes people like to create stories that don’t exist.”

Perez responds after accusations Verstappen’s dad snubbed Saudi GP victory

Fernando Alonso leads the way as rain soaks second practice in Australia - FP2 REPORT:

Friday 31 March 2023 15:29 , Kieran Jackson

Fernando Alonso clocked the fastest time in Friday’s rain-hit second practice session for the Australian Grand Prix.

Championship leader Max Verstappen set the pace from Lewis Hamilton in the earlier dry running at Melbourne’s Albert Park. But it was Alonso who ended the day on top after he went fastest in his Aston Martin before heavy rain arrived 10 minutes into the one-hour session.

The double world champion, 41, who completed only 13 laps, finished four tenths clear of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Verstappen was third, six tenths back, with George Russell fourth for Mercedes. Hamilton finished 13th, 1.4sec adrift, after he failed to post a clean lap with the slick rubber.

Earlier, the opening running of the weekend was red-flagged on two occasions, firstly when the GPS systems went down at the temporary track and then in the closing minutes as Logan Sargeant broke down in his Williams.

Fernando Alonso leads the way as rain soaks second practice in Australia

Lewis Hamilton makes weekend prediction after Friday practice

Friday 31 March 2023 15:14 , Kieran Jackson

Asked what he could accomplish in qualifying on Saturday, Hamilton said: “We won’t be competing against the Red Bulls.

“It’s just about trying to compete as high as possible, fifth if possible - same as the last race.”

The seven-time world champion finished in a dry first practice on Friday but 13th in a wet-affected FP2 later in the afternoon.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Daniel Ricciardo would be ‘ready’ to race in ten minutes, claims Red Bull boss

Friday 31 March 2023 14:47 , Kieran Jackson

A fit and well Daniel Ricciardo would be ready to race a Red Bull car in Formula One at the drop of a hat if required, team boss Christian Horner said on Friday.

After departing McLaren at the end of last year’s championship, Ricciardo is taking a sabbatical from F1 this season as Red Bull’s third driver behind champion Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.

The eight-times grand prix winner, one of the sport’s most popular characters, had “thrown himself” into his new role, Horner said at the Australian Grand Prix on Friday.

“I’d say he’s about 10 minutes away from being ready (to race),” added Horner.

“He’s in good shape. He’s kept himself fit and well. He’s training hard and he’s ready to go if given a chance. It must be very tough for him not being a race driver this weekend, but he’s thrown himself into and embracing this new role.”

Ricciardo would be ‘ready’ to race in ten minutes, claims Red Bull boss

Lewis Hamilton an impressive second in first practice at Australian Grand Prix - FP1 REPORT:

Friday 31 March 2023 14:30 , Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton finished second to Max Verstappen in opening practice for the Australian Grand Prix.

Hamilton was four tenths back from the Red Bull driver, with Sergio Perez third. Fernando Alonso finished fourth for Aston Martin.

The opening running of the weekend at Melbourne’s Albert Park was red-flagged on two occasions, firstly when the GPS systems went down at the temporary track, and then in the closing minutes as Logan Sargeant broke down in his Williams.

Sargeant’s mechanical failure arrived just minutes after Verstappen survived a spin at Turn 4.

The championship leader, who earlier took an unscheduled trip across the gravel, rode the kerb on the exit of the left-hander before pirouetting in his Red Bull in a plume of tyre smoke.

Lewis Hamilton an impressive second in first practice at Australian Grand Prix

Daniel Ricciardo shaped void will take some filling by Oscar Piastri at Australian GP

Friday 31 March 2023 13:49 , Kieran Jackson

Feature by Kieran Jackson

It may surprise you to know that Formula 1’s all-time grand prix attendance record – all the way back to 1950 – is not at one of Europe’s trademark tracks. Nor is it in the United States, the sport’s new epicentre which is staging three races this year. It is in fact in Australia: 520,000 over four days in Adelaide in 1995.

In modern-day terms, however, this year is significant for Adelaide’s substitute since 1996, Albert Park in Melbourne. While the US Grand Prix in Austin brought in 440,000 punters last year, the 2023 Australian Grand Prix is expected to bring in a figure 10,000 north of that over the four days of running, with support races taking to the track yesterday.

Yet for a country so in love with sport, and sporting idols, a new hometown hero has entered the fray in Formula 1, as another falls by the wayside.

Credit to Daniel Ricciardo. On the whole, having raced in Formula 1 for 11-and-a-half years before his brutal axing by McLaren last year, the 33-year-old has conducted himself impeccably despite his career spiralling downhill quicker than anyone – let alone he - envisaged.

In the end, a ‘third driver’ seat at his former employers Red Bull was all that was left. A no-brainer for the constructors’ champions given Ricciardo’s marketing aura and, lo and behold, the Aussie was seen speaking and mingling at numerous hospitality events on Friday.

Ricciardo shaped void will take some filling by Piastri at Australian Grand Prix

Daniel Ricciardo would be ‘ready’ to race in ten minutes, claims Red Bull boss

Friday 31 March 2023 13:11 , Kieran Jackson

A fit and well Daniel Ricciardo would be ready to race a Red Bull car in Formula One at the drop of a hat if required, team boss Christian Horner said on Friday.

After departing McLaren at the end of last year’s championship, Ricciardo is taking a sabbatical from F1 this season as Red Bull’s third driver behind champion Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.

The eight-times grand prix winner, one of the sport’s most popular characters, had “thrown himself” into his new role, Horner said at the Australian Grand Prix on Friday.

“I’d say he’s about 10 minutes away from being ready (to race),” added Horner.

“He’s in good shape. He’s kept himself fit and well. He’s training hard and he’s ready to go if given a chance. It must be very tough for him not being a race driver this weekend, but he’s thrown himself into and embracing this new role.”

Ricciardo would be ‘ready’ to race in ten minutes, claims Red Bull boss

Lewis Hamilton makes weekend prediction after Friday practice

Friday 31 March 2023 12:57 , Kieran Jackson

Asked what he could accomplish in qualifying on Saturday, Hamilton said: “We won’t be competing against the Red Bulls.

“It’s just about trying to compete as high as possible, fifth if possible - same as the last race.”

The seven-time world champion finished in a dry first practice on Friday but 13th in a wet-affected FP2 later in the afternoon.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Daniel Ricciardo makes bold prediction as he targets Formula 1 return

Friday 31 March 2023 12:41 , Kieran Jackson

Daniel Ricciardo is confident his Formula One dream is not over and said: “If I really want to return to the grid, I will make it happen”.

Ricciardo is spending this season on the sidelines after he was dumped by McLaren following two lacklustre years with the British team.

The 33-year-old is back in the paddock for this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix in his role as Red Bull reserve driver.

However, the eight-time race winner’s options for a full-time seat next year, certainly with a front-rank team, appear limited.

Alan Jones, the 1980 world champion, this week said he cannot see his compatriot returning to F1. Jones, Australia’s last world champion, also said Ricciardo spent too much time concentrating on activities outside of the cockpit rather than in it.

Daniel Ricciardo makes bold prediction as he targets Formula 1 return

Daniel Ricciardo exit theory offered by former F1 world champion

Friday 31 March 2023 12:14 , Kieran Jackson

Daniel Ricciardo’s downturn in form last year was due to spending “too much time on activities out of the cockpit rather than it” according to 1980 Formula 1 world champion Alan Jones.

Having made his F1 debut in 2011, popular Australian driver Ricciardo lost his seat at McLaren last year after a sudden drop in form, particularly compared to team-mate Lando Norris.

The 33-year-old’s place at McLaren was taken by compatriot and 2021 F2 champion Oscar Piastri.

While Piastri will be racing in the Australian Grand Prix this weekend at Albert Park for the first time, Ricciardo will be watching on from the sidelines having joined Red Bull as a third driver after his McLaren exit.

Yet Jones, Australia’s last F1 world champion, has his own theory as to why Ricciardo’s results dipped.

“I don’t think he even knows himself [why his form disappeared],” Jones told the Herald Sun. “I just think he went off the boil.”

“Really, in my own opinion, I think he concentrated and spent a bit too much time for his activities out of the cockpit rather than in it. That’s my opinion.”

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Fans react to F1 CEO’s desire to cancel practice sessions

Friday 31 March 2023 11:59 , Kieran Jackson

Formula 1 fans have reacted with mostly dismay after the prospect of practice sessions being cancelled in the future was raised by F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.

A normal race weekend consists of three one-hour practice sessions, two on Friday and one on Saturday prior to qualifying, with the race on Sunday.

But Domenicali, with a view to attracting more competition when cars are on track, says he supports the cancellation of free practice and “a lot of things are on the table” with a view to change the race weekend schedule in the future.

Six of the 23 race meets this season are sprint weekends where the schedule will consist of one hour of practice on Friday, followed by qualifying, with a second practice on Saturday prior to the sprint race – a race one-third the distance of the usual number of laps for that circuit – and the normal grand prix on Sunday.

“I am a supporter of the cancellation of free practice sessions which are of great use to the engineers, but that the public doesn’t like,” Domenicali told Portuguese outlet SportTV at the opening event of the MotoGP season on Sunday.

F1 fans ‘devastated’ by plan to change grand prix weekends

Are there too many practice sessions in Formula 1?

Friday 31 March 2023 11:39 , Kieran Jackson

This has been a big talking point this week...

Fernando Alonso leads the way as rain soaks second practice in Australia - FP2 REPORT:

Friday 31 March 2023 11:20 , Kieran Jackson

Fernando Alonso clocked the fastest time in Friday’s rain-hit second practice session for the Australian Grand Prix.

Championship leader Max Verstappen set the pace from Lewis Hamilton in the earlier dry running at Melbourne’s Albert Park. But it was Alonso who ended the day on top after he went fastest in his Aston Martin before heavy rain arrived 10 minutes into the one-hour session.

The double world champion, 41, who completed only 13 laps, finished four tenths clear of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Verstappen was third, six tenths back, with George Russell fourth for Mercedes. Hamilton finished 13th, 1.4sec adrift, after he failed to post a clean lap with the slick rubber.

Earlier, the opening running of the weekend was red-flagged on two occasions, firstly when the GPS systems went down at the temporary track and then in the closing minutes as Logan Sargeant broke down in his Williams.

Fernando Alonso leads the way as rain soaks second practice in Australia

Sergio Perez responds after accusations Max Verstappen’s dad snubbed Saudi GP victory

Friday 31 March 2023 10:58 , Kieran Jackson

Sergio Perez said he has patched up his differences with title rival Max Verstappen’s father following his victory snub in Saudi Arabia.

Perez heads into the third round of the season in Melbourne just one point behind his teammate in the standings, and is effectively Verstappen’s sole championship challenger given the dominance of Red Bull’s machinery this season.

A fortnight ago in Jeddah, Jos Verstappen sparked a social media storm when he kept a straight face and failed to offer a congratulatory handshake to Perez as the Mexican celebrated with his Red Bull mechanics.

Max Verstappen finished runner-up to Perez after he started 15th following a driveshaft failure in qualifying.

The footage portrayed a divided Red Bull camp, but speaking to the PA news agency, Perez insisted: “I have a good relationship with Jos. We respect each other. We know this is sport, and that is how we treat it.

“We shook hands but they probably didn’t show that. I saw a few things were written on social media, but sometimes people like to create stories that don’t exist.”

Perez responds after accusations Verstappen’s dad snubbed Saudi GP victory

Lewis Hamilton makes weekend prediction after Friday practice

Friday 31 March 2023 10:29 , Kieran Jackson

Asked what he could accomplish in qualifying on Saturday, Hamilton said: “We won’t be competing against the Red Bulls.

“It’s just about trying to compete as high as possible, fifth if possible - same as the last race.”

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Daniel Ricciardo makes bold prediction as he targets Formula 1 return

Friday 31 March 2023 10:18 , Kieran Jackson

Daniel Ricciardo is confident his Formula One dream is not over and said: “If I really want to return to the grid, I will make it happen”.

Ricciardo is spending this season on the sidelines after he was dumped by McLaren following two lacklustre years with the British team.

The 33-year-old is back in the paddock for this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix in his role as Red Bull reserve driver.

However, the eight-time race winner’s options for a full-time seat next year, certainly with a front-rank team, appear limited.

Alan Jones, the 1980 world champion, this week said he cannot see his compatriot returning to F1. Jones, Australia’s last world champion, also said Ricciardo spent too much time concentrating on activities outside of the cockpit rather than in it.

Daniel Ricciardo makes bold prediction as he targets Formula 1 return

This weekend’s Australian Grand Prix expected to be best-attended race ever!

Friday 31 March 2023 10:00 , Kieran Jackson

60,000 were at Albert Park on Thursday for support races - and 150,000 expected every day of grand prix weekend.

That final figure of 450,000 means it would beat the US Grand Prix in Austin last year, which invited in 440,000!

Mammoth numbers down under!

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Max Verstappen had a spin in FP1!

Friday 31 March 2023 09:44 , Kieran Jackson

It wasn’t plain-sailing for Max Verstappen in practice on Friday either!

Fernando Alonso leads the way as rain soaks second practice in Australia - FP2 REPORT:

Friday 31 March 2023 09:29 , Kieran Jackson

Fernando Alonso clocked the fastest time in Friday’s rain-hit second practice session for the Australian Grand Prix.

Championship leader Max Verstappen set the pace from Lewis Hamilton in the earlier dry running at Melbourne’s Albert Park. But it was Alonso who ended the day on top after he went fastest in his Aston Martin before heavy rain arrived 10 minutes into the one-hour session.

The double world champion, 41, who completed only 13 laps, finished four tenths clear of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Verstappen was third, six tenths back, with George Russell fourth for Mercedes. Hamilton finished 13th, 1.4sec adrift, after he failed to post a clean lap with the slick rubber.

Earlier, the opening running of the weekend was red-flagged on two occasions, firstly when the GPS systems went down at the temporary track and then in the closing minutes as Logan Sargeant broke down in his Williams.

Fernando Alonso leads the way as rain soaks second practice in Australia

A reminder of the leaderboard from FP2 in Australia!

Friday 31 March 2023 09:10 , Kieran Jackson

1-10: Alonso, Leclerc, Verstappen, Russell, Sainz, Ocon, Perez, Norris, Hulkenberg, Gasly

11-20: Tsunoda, Bottas, Hamilton, Piasti, Zhou, Stroll, De Vries, Albon, Magnussen, Sargeant (no time)

Sergio Perez speaks of a ‘mental’ day in Melbourne

Friday 31 March 2023 08:59 , Kieran Jackson

“It was a bit mental, going into P2 a lot of people still had issues with GPS data - it was just a mess, I couldn’t get a lap in in the afternoon... not much to say really, tomorrow’s there’s plenty to do. Somehow we’re going to be a bit blind going into the race which is interesting.

“Tomorrow is where we’ll see where we really are, comfortable sector one and two. Never got a rhythm in sector two.”

Lewis Hamilton an impressive second in first practice at Australian Grand Prix - FP1 REPORT:

Friday 31 March 2023 08:44 , Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton finished second to Max Verstappen in opening practice for the Australian Grand Prix.

Hamilton was four tenths back from the Red Bull driver, with Sergio Perez third. Fernando Alonso finished fourth for Aston Martin.

The opening running of the weekend at Melbourne’s Albert Park was red-flagged on two occasions, firstly when the GPS systems went down at the temporary track, and then in the closing minutes as Logan Sargeant broke down in his Williams.

Sargeant’s mechanical failure arrived just minutes after Verstappen survived a spin at Turn 4.

The championship leader, who earlier took an unscheduled trip across the gravel, rode the kerb on the exit of the left-hander before pirouetting in his Red Bull in a plume of tyre smoke.

Lewis Hamilton an impressive second in first practice at Australian Grand Prix

Lance Stroll almost puts it in the wall in Melbourne!

Friday 31 March 2023 08:29 , Kieran Jackson

A hairy moment for Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll in the rain earlier!

Toto Wolff, speaking after both practice sessions:

Friday 31 March 2023 08:12 , Kieran Jackson

“The drivers do what is right for their car, it changes very often between Saturday and Sunday.

“We are doing good steps, good development. But we have to run them, confirm them. Not looking at introduction before Imola but we shouldn’t expect a miracle of pole by half-a-second. It’s more around Ferrari and Aston Martin. Next three races we won’t be adding any performance - finding solutions.”

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Fernando Alonso leads the way as rain soaks second practice in Australia - FP2 REPORT:

Friday 31 March 2023 07:54 , Kieran Jackson

Fernando Alonso clocked the fastest time in Friday’s rain-hit second practice session for the Australian Grand Prix.

Championship leader Max Verstappen set the pace from Lewis Hamilton in the earlier dry running at Melbourne’s Albert Park. But it was Alonso who ended the day on top after he went fastest in his Aston Martin before heavy rain arrived 10 minutes into the one-hour session.

The double world champion, 41, who completed only 13 laps, finished four tenths clear of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Verstappen was third, six tenths back, with George Russell fourth for Mercedes. Hamilton finished 13th, 1.4sec adrift, after he failed to post a clean lap with the slick rubber.

Earlier, the opening running of the weekend was red-flagged on two occasions, firstly when the GPS systems went down at the temporary track and then in the closing minutes as Logan Sargeant broke down in his Williams.

Fernando Alonso leads the way as rain soaks second practice in Australia

George Russell, speaking after both practice sessions:

Friday 31 March 2023 07:33 , Kieran Jackson

“FP2 was a bit frustrating for everyone. Reasonable session for us - made a step from FP1. Let’s see what tomorrow brings - I know there’s a bit of rain around tomorrow so we’d be happy to see it spice up.

“We made a lot of setup changes over the break, getting the car into a nice window as the weekend progresses. We need to see how it translates tomorrow, FP1 I wasn’t very happy but FP2 much happier.

“The third row, between P5 and P8, is where we’re looking at the moment. Not where we want to be, I know we’ve got more to come in a couple of races. But got to maximise the weekend.”

Lewis Hamilton, speaking after both practice sessions:

Friday 31 March 2023 07:24 , Kieran Jackson

“This morning was good, this afternoon wasn’t so good!

“This morning felt a little bit better, made some changes didn’t work. So we’ll revise them tonight.

“You don’t learn a lot when the conditions are in between, just keep the car safe.

“Traffic is always an issue here, more so in P1, people just going super slow on the racing line. Hopefully that won’t happen again.

“We won’t be competing against the Red Bulls - just about trying to compete as high as possible, fifth if possible - same as the last race.”

Fernando Alonso quickest in second practice

Friday 31 March 2023 07:11 , Kieran Jackson

So that’s it for all the running on Friday!

Fernando Alonso was quickest in second practice after setting the fastest time in dry conditions in the first 15 minutes before the rain came. Charles Leclerc was second, four-tenths off, with Max Verstappen third.

Here’s the full classification from FP2!

1-10: Alonso, Leclerc, Verstappen, Russell, Sainz, Ocon, Perez, Norris, Hulkenberg, Gasly

11-20: Tsunoda, Bottas, Hamilton, Piasti, Zhou, Stroll, De Vries, Albon, Magnussen, Sargeant (no time)

Some wet-weather running being done as second practice nears a conclusion (10:00 left in FP2)

Friday 31 March 2023 06:51 , Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton among the runners out now on intermediates, as second practice draws to a close!

The top of the standings will not be changing, given the times on the board were done in dry conditions.

1-10: Alonso, Leclerc, Verstappen, Russell, Sainz, Ocon, Perez, Norris, Hulkenberg, Gasly

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff looking glum in the rain... (20:00 left in FP2)

Friday 31 March 2023 06:41 , Kieran Jackson

Very wet out on track now, with about half-the-pack trialling intermediates.

If you needed any evidence...

Drivers not happy in the rain out at Albert Park (30:00 left in FP2)

Friday 31 March 2023 06:34 , Kieran Jackson

The likes of George Russell, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc have all tested the conditions out in Melbourne, but with the light rain relatively steady, the Ferraris in particular aren’t keen to run like this.

“There is no point driving in this,” Leclerc says.

Leclerc not happy with his Ferrari pit wall? Surely not!

No cars now on track.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Fernando Alonso quickest so far as Max Verstappen complains to engineer (45:00 left in FP2)

Friday 31 March 2023 06:18 , Kieran Jackson

Fernando Alonso has gone fastest after 15 minutes, with Charles Leclerc four-tenths back and Max Verstappen six-tenths back in third.

4-10: Russell, Sainz, Ocon, Perez, Norris, Hulkenberg, Gasly. Lewis Hamilton down in 13th - just as the rain starts to fall in Melbourne!

“Mate, I don’t know he’s on a lap,” Verstappen exclaims, as an Alfa Romeo comes storming through! Is there more GPS issues, similar to FP1?!

After an early rush of cars, many of them have now gone back into the garage with a few raindrops falling...

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Australian Grand Prix FP1 report!

Friday 31 March 2023 06:08 , Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton finished second to Max Verstappen in opening practice for the Australian Grand Prix.

Hamilton was four tenths back from the Red Bull driver, with Sergio Perez third. Fernando Alonso finished fourth for Aston Martin.

The opening running of the weekend at Melbourne’s Albert Park was red-flagged on two occasions, firstly when the GPS systems went down at the temporary track, and then in the closing minutes as Logan Sargeant broke down in his Williams.

Sargeant’s mechanical failure arrived just minutes after Verstappen survived a spin at Turn 4.

The championship leader, who earlier took an unscheduled trip across the gravel, rode the kerb on the exit of the left-hander before pirouetting in his Red Bull in a plume of tyre smoke.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Australian Grand Prix FP2 underway!

Friday 31 March 2023 06:00 , Kieran Jackson

We’re now underway with second practice at Albert Park in Melbourne!

Max Verstappen was quickest by nearly half-a-second in FP1, with Lewis Hamilton in a now-unusual second place for Mercedes!

Who will impress in FP2? There’s a fair amount of cloud cover and wind in Melbourne for this session..

Max Verstappen still not fully fit after virus ahead of Australian GP

Friday 31 March 2023 05:47 , Kieran Jackson

Max Verstappen said he felt like he was racing with one lung in Saudi Arabia and is still not match-fit for this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix.

Verstappen delayed his arrival at the last round in Jeddah a fortnight ago by 24 hours as he battled a virus. He finished second behind Sergio Perez.

The Dutchman holds a slender one-point championship lead over his Red Bull team-mate ahead of the third race in Melbourne, and is planning to use the three-week break between the races here at Melbourne’s Albert Park and Azerbaijan on April 30 to return to good health.

“I was not looking forward to the break but then I got really ill and I have just been struggling since that time,” said Verstappen, 25.

“I refused to believe in myself for a long time because, at home, I was really ill. I could barely walk around and I felt like I was missing a lot.”

‘Felt like I was missing a lung’: Max Verstappen still not fully fit after virus

Lewis Hamilton reacts to Michael Masi presence at Australian GP

Friday 31 March 2023 05:30 , Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton said he will not speak to Michael Masi – the sacked Formula One referee accused of costing him a record eighth world championship – because “there is nothing to say”.

Masi is back at an F1 paddock for the first time since his mishandling of the 2021 season decider in Abu Dhabi which provided Max Verstappen with the chance to beat Hamilton in a final-lap shootout and win the title.

The deeply contentious race cost Masi his job as F1 race director. He left the FIA last summer before moving home to Australia and being appointed chairman of the V8 Supercars Commission.

The presence of Masi, 44, at this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix could evoke bad memories for Hamilton.

The 38-year-old has not won a race since he lost to Verstappen in Abu Dhabi, and he has already ruled himself out of this season’s championship battle with his Mercedes machinery unable to compete against Verstappen’s superior Red Bull.

But asked if he plans to speak to Masi in Melbourne, and seek an explanation for what happened in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton replied: “I don’t. I am just focussed on my future.

“I am focussed on trying to get back to winning. There is nothing to say.”

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Daniel Ricciardo exit theory offered by former F1 world champion

Friday 31 March 2023 05:12 , Kieran Jackson

Daniel Ricciardo’s downturn in form last year was due to spending “too much time on activities out of the cockpit rather than it” according to 1980 Formula 1 world champion Alan Jones.

Having made his F1 debut in 2011, popular Australian driver Ricciardo lost his seat at McLaren last year after a sudden drop in form, particularly compared to team-mate Lando Norris.

The 33-year-old’s place at McLaren was taken by compatriot and 2021 F2 champion Oscar Piastri.

While Piastri will be racing in the Australian Grand Prix this weekend at Albert Park for the first time, Ricciardo will be watching on from the sidelines having joined Red Bull as a third driver after his McLaren exit.

Yet Jones, Australia’s last F1 world champion, has his own theory as to why Ricciardo’s results dipped.

“I don’t think he even knows himself [why his form disappeared],” Jones told the Herald Sun. “I just think he went off the boil.”

“Really, in my own opinion, I think he concentrated and spent a bit too much time for his activities out of the cockpit rather than in it. That’s my opinion.”

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

George Russell hits back at ‘luck’ claim from Lewis Hamilton

Friday 31 March 2023 05:06 , Kieran Jackson

George Russell has hit back at Lewis Hamilton’s claim that his quicker laps over the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend were down to luck.

Russell finished fourth in Jeddah, after being demoted off the podium following Fernando Alonso’s reinstatement to third place, with Aston Martin lodging a successful appeal.

Hamilton came home fifth, but with Russell superior in both qualifying and in the second stint on race-pace, the seven-time world champion insisted he could “only match Russell’s pace rather than be quicker” after the pair opted for different setups.

Hamilton added that “more often than not” Russell would have been on the “wrong one [setup]” yet the 25-year-old rejected the notion his superior display was down to luck, as opposed to preparation.

George Russell hits back at ‘luck’ claim from Lewis Hamilton

The Australian Grand Prix weekend starts here!

Friday 31 March 2023 05:02 , Kieran Jackson

Good morning... who’s up?!

Welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of practice at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne!

It’s round three of the Formula 1 season - and it’s been a little bit wet at Albert Park this morning!

Stay tuned for everything that happened in first practice - FP2 starts at 6am (BST).