Fans go wild as Formula One Australian Grand Prix hits full gear
Hordes of F1 racing fans have brought the energy to Albert Park on a steamy second second day of the Australian Grand Prix.
Victoria
Don't miss out on the headlines from Victoria. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Die-hard McLaren supporters greeted hometown hero Oscar Piastri with a rousing reception on a sweltering Melbourne day at the Australian Grand Prix.
Attendance numbers on Saturday were set to nudge previous corresponding crowd records after a staggering 125,548 fans flocked to Albert Park on Friday.
Leading F1 drivers vied for pole position during Saturday’s qualifying in temperatures that soared past 34C.
Fans went wild when the Brighton-born Piastri entered Melbourne Walk looking calm and relaxed about 9.30am on Saturday.
“I’m feeling pretty relaxed, we still have practice this morning … yesterday was a good day,” he said.
“I’m excited to see what we can do.
“I don’t think it’s going to be easy but we’re definitely in with a chance.”
McLaren teammate Lando Norris, who is widely tipped to claim victory on Sunday, said the Melbourne crowd always brought the excitement.
“It’s a perfect way to start (the season). Just a big thank you to all of the Australian fans, they make it exciting, they make it fun,” he said.
F1 fan Hannah Newell, 19, arrived at the track at 3am on Saturday morning to grab the best view at the Melbourne Walk.
“We’re so excited, we’ve been coming for a few years now and hopefully Oscar gets the win,” she said.
Saturday’s warm weather looks set to change overnight in conditions that could have huge implications on Sunday’s race.
Forecasters are tipping a top of 26C with potentially up to 20mm of rain and thunderstorms in Melbourne on Sunday.
Queenslander Jack Doohan, who races with the Alpine F1 Team, said he was pleased with how he drove the Melbourne track this weekend.
“It’s great, it’s been very enjoyable. To drive my first laps around here (on Friday) is great, and the support has been amazing,” he said.
Ferrari fan Elizabeth Huggins said she would make an exception if McLaren star Piastri took home the win on Sunday.
“I’m excited to see the Ferraris, and obviously Oscar as an Aussie I wouldn’t mind if he won,” she said.
“Having an Aussie on the podium would be incredible.
“We had to get up super early for the Melbourne Walk, but I don’t regret it.”
Red Bull mega fan Josh Tran, who had a model race car fixed to his cap, waited for hours to see Max Verstappen at the Melbourne Walk.
“I wish Max would come out, I’ve been here three years and he’s never come, but I’m holding out hope,” he said.
“It’s great here, this is my third Grand Prix, every year we’ve done the Melbourne Walk and this year is one of the best, it’s great.”
When asked how he’d keep cool with Melbourne’s weather on Saturday, he said: “Lots of water, probably some beers as well.”
Layla Donaldson said fellow Melburbian Oscar Piastri was a sure winner on Sunday.
“Oscar Piastri has it in the bag. I’m so exited to see him. It’s so cool here, I feel like there’s nowhere else to really see or interact with them,” she said at the Melbourne Walk.
Kayo Sports’ Lewis Hamilton lookalike, Lew-ish, kept fans on their toes as they took a moment to realise he was with the Foxtel and News Corp-owned crew.
That did not stop fans from asking for photos with the champion driver’s doppelgänger.
“I think I’ve had hundreds of photos already this week,” he said.
“I’m enjoying the moment, I’m very grateful to be in Australia now, it’s my first time in Australia,” he said.
“It’s incredible, there are so many Lewis Hamilton fans here.”
‘Stop cop city’: Anti-police protesters descend on CBD
Dozens of protesters have begun chanting “stop cop city” and “no justice, no peace, no racist police” with one activist dragged away by officers as tensions flared at a rally in the city.
Underground roads, greener city: How Melbourne could look in 2050
Underground roads, bridges with greenery and benches for chatting to strangers have been floated at a summit aimed to “shape the future” of Melbourne.