Australian Grand Prix 2023: Red flag and crash carnage in chaotic F1 race
Drivers were furious and fans were bemused by the chaotic finish to an Australian Grand Prix dominated by crashes, red flags, collisions and fires. So what happened?
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20 cars started, 12 finished
Absolute carnage in dying moments
Late drama at the Australian Grand Prix with eight cars ‘wiped out’ after the third restart of the race which was eventually won by Max Verstappen.
Twenty cars started the race and only 12 finished.
World champion Verstappen has held on to claim his first Australian Grand Prix victory leaving just two tracks on the calendar unconquered by the Red Bull star.
Verstappen defied two late red flags and a controversial finish under the safety car to see off Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton and Aston Martin veteran Fernando Alonso to take his second win of the year and extend his championship lead.
The Dutch star was charging to victory when the race was red-flagged with two laps to go after debris - and a stray tyre - was strewn on the track when Kevin Magnussen hit the wall.
After the race was stopped for 15 minutes, Verstappen held his nerve on the restart as chaos unfolded behind him as four cars were taken out of the race.
The race was red-flagged again with one lap left after Alpine teammates Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon both ended up in the wall, leaving race control deciphering a restart order after the mayhem from the first resumption.
Race officials decided to revert to the starting order from the previous restart and finished the race under the safety car.
Sitting in fourth for the restart, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was left fuming after he was hit with a five-second time penalty for his part in an incident on the previous restart, pushing him back to 12th.
After all the chaos, Verstappen claimed Red Bull’s first win at the Australian Grand Prix since 2011.
“Yeah well it took a while but a win is a win, we’ll take it,” Verstappen said over the radio.
“It was a good weekend.
“We had a poor start, the pace was quick, we were always there and waiting for DRS but with these red flags, the first one maybe you can do it, the second one I don’t understand. It was a bit of a mess.”
Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez also managed to salvage points for Red Bull, finishing fifth, after he was forced to start the race from pit lane after the team made post-qualifying changes to his car following his Saturday qualifying shocker.
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The result delivered Fernando Alonso his third podium of the year after he survived the restart chaos when he was spun by Carlos Sainz, but retained his position from the previous restart.
Fernando Alonso was almost lost for words.
“It was a roller coaster of emotions today, it was difficult to understand at the end what was going on.
“I could not match the pace of the leaders but we will take this.
“The first red flag did help us and the second didn’t, but we got lucky and P# and P$ is an amazing Sunday.”
FIRST POINTS FOR PIASTRI
And Australian rookie Oscar Piastri claimed his first points in Formula One for McLaren, finishing eighth as he capitalised on all the retirements ahead of him.
After a chaotic start to the race that prompted two yellow and one red flag in the opening 10 laps, the Mercedes challenge to Verstappen’s Albert Park attack lasted just 12 laps before the Dutch ace took control of the race.
As last year’s Australian Grand Prix winner Charles Leclerc, the Williams of Alex Albon and Mercedes’ hope George Russell became early casualties, pole sitter Verstappen faced an early challenge from the Mercedes duo of Hamilton and Russell, who both got the jump on their Red Bull rival at the start.
The Mercedes pair of Russell and Hamilton had promised to go all out “for the win” after a surprise qualifying performance had them starting in second and third position on the grid behind Verstappen and they were true to their word in a thrilling start to the race.
Russell and Hamilton both got the jump on Verstappen, but they had little time to capitalise on their perfect start before the safety car was deployed when last year’s Albert Park winner Charles Leclerc’s race ended when he was sent into the gravel trap at turn three.
Replays showed Leclerc was given a nudge by Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll, although race stewards took no further action over the incident.
A second safety car was deployed when Alex Albon lost control of his Williams at turn six and found himself in the wall.
RUSSELL’S DISASTER
Mercedes took the opportunity to pit Russell under the safety car, but the move “screwed” him after the race was red-flagged on the next lap due to gravel on the track from the Albon crash, leaving Russell back in seventh.
After a 16-minute delay, Hamilton held onto his race lead on the restart - but not for long.
It only took Verstappen two laps before he was able to cruise past Hamilton on Lakeside Drive for the race lead on lap 12.
As he pushed his way back through the field, Russell’s race came to a dramatic and fiery end on lap 18.
The Brit was forced to nurse his car back to the pits as flames poured from the back of his Mercedes after a power unit failure, ending a race full of promise.
But if the chaos at the start wasn’t enough, it was nothing compared to what was to come with the red flags and restart chaos at the finish.
Australian GP result
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
3. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
4. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
5. Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
6. Lando Norris (McLaren)
7. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)
8. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
9. Guanyu Zhou (Alfa Romeo
10. Yuki Tsunoda (Alpha Tauri)
11. Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo)
12. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
5:27PM SAINZ PENALTY
Carlos Sainz could be about to lose any chance of points after being handed a five second penalty.
This elevates Lance Stroll to potential 4th.
“No it cannot be this is unacceptable this is us out of the points,” Sainz said. “They have to wait until the race is finished and discuss with me, please, please, please wait and discuss with me. It’s too severe.”
Aston Martin 3rd and 4th is a great day at work.
Jenson Button argued that while the penalty is the right decision, the announcement of it was actually a very dangerous move by the FIA and risked creating another dangerous driving environment.
As an aside for the Aussie fans, Piastri looks set for his first points in F1.
Too much debris after Magnusson crash not to throw the Red Flag. In hindsight would’ve been a lot simpler and might have caused less damage if they’d gone slowly through it all behind the safety car though. But where’s the fun in that ?!
— Simon Lazenby (@simon_lazenbyF1) April 2, 2023
That’s an inconsistent penalty for Sainz from a standing start in the early corners.
— Martin Brundle (@MBrundleF1) April 2, 2023
5:16PM RACE WILL RESTART
Incredible
Race resumption behind safety car in the order of the previous start minus cars out.
There will be a rolling start and as there will be only one lap left, the chequered flag will be out as they come back across the line.
Ludicrous.
Restart order:
1. Verstappen
2. Hamilton
3. Fernando Alonso
4. Sainz
5. Stroll
6. Perez
7. Norris
8. Hulkenberg
9. Piastri
10. Zhou
11. Tsunoda
12. Bottas
CAR ON FIRE AMID CRASH CARNAGE
A dream qualifying performance for George Russell and Mercedes has turned into a nightmare for the Brit.
After qualifying on the front row next to pole sitter Max Verstappen on Saturday, Russell’s race was over on lap 18 with fire streamed from the back of his Mercedes.
Russell was forced to nurse his Mercedes back to the pits after flames poured out the back of his car.
The early race leader looked on track for a podium after a perfect start to the race, but in the space of 10 laps he endured two cruel blows to end his day at Albert Park.
Russell and Hamilton both got the jump on Verstappen, but they had little time to capitalise on their perfect start before the safety car was deployed when last year’s Albert Park winner Charles Leclerc’s race ended when he was sent into the gravel trap at turn three.
Replays showed Leclerc was given a nudge by Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll, although race stewards took no further action over the incident.
A second safety car was deployed when Alex Albon lost control of his Williams at turn six and found himself in the wall.
Mercedes took the opportunity to pit Russell under the safety car, but the move “screwed” him after the race was red-flagged on the next lap due to gravel on the track from the Albon crash, leaving Russell back in seventh.
But Russell lasted just eight laps after the restart before his car caught on fire, ending his campaign and what had started out as a race with much promise for Mercedes.
When it’s not your day, it’s not your day.
— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) April 2, 2023
LAP 18/58
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 2, 2023
It goes from bad to worse for George Russell...
He is forced to retire as fire and smoke emerges from his car #AusGP#F1pic.twitter.com/umJP1NDrqY
LAP 54 ANOTHER RETIREMENT
Hulkenberg’s tyre has come off and we’re set for a late safety car....this is going to get very spicy.
LAP 52 VERSTAPPEN LEADS
Today’s race was Leclerc’s second DNF of the season, it’s been a miserable month for the Ferrari star and his words are heartbreaking.
“The start of the season has been a disaster for me.”
Elsewhere, something we have not been able to write for a very long time, Norris has overtaken someone.
Great move from the McLaren on Hulk to take 8th and he’s on for his first points of the season.
LAP 48 HUGE LOCK UP
Verstappen lucky he had quite the cushty lead at the front because he’s locked up on turn 13 and lost about 4 seconds in the race. Still leads by 7.5
Not since Hungary 2018 have we had a podium of three world champions but that’s where we find ourselves if things remain as they are.
LAP 48/58
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 2, 2023
Big oversteering moment for Max Verstappen as he runs awfully wide on the last corner!! 😱
He loses 4s to Hamilton in P2....#AusGP#F1pic.twitter.com/k0NgccbeFC
LAP 44 VERSTAPPEN LEADS
1-10 VER, HAM, ALO, SAI, GAS, STR, PER, HUL, NOR, OCON
Finally, Perez has found a way to 8th, fair play to Norris who has defending incredibly well and really frustrated the Red Bull for quite some time.
Perex now up to 7th having taken less than a lap to overtake Hulkenberg - incredible from the Mexican driver who, don’t forget, started from pitlane!
Upfront Fernando Alonso has been told to UNLEASH on Hamilton. 13 laps to go and this is where we’re going to start firing up.
Get the popcorn ladies and gents.
LAP 40 VERSTAPPEN LEADS
We’ve reached that point of the Australian Grand Prix where there’s very few battles because of the times between drivers, but Hamilton v Fernando Alonso is the spicy climax we all need to follow.
Hamilton has been on the radio saying there is not a world in which he is prepared to lose out to Fernando in.
It'll all come down to these tyres, Aston will have anticipated 37-39 laps on these and they’re facing more than 46, so all the best to Fernando Alonso in 10 laps time.
LAP 32 VERSTAPPEN LEADS
Don’t want to be accused of ignoring the home grown talent so kudos to Piastri who just pulled off a fairly tidy overtake on Yuki Tsunoda to reclaim 11.
Very little has changed further ahead of them except that Fernando Alonso is trimmin the gap between himself and Hamilton and Perez is currently the fastest car on track (9th).
LAP 29/58
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 2, 2023
Local boy @OscarPiastri puts in a stellar overtake round the outside of Yuki Tsunoda 🙌
The Aussie is putting in a solid effort thus far! 🇦🇺#AusGP#F1pic.twitter.com/g3D9Ed1nlF
LAP 28 VERSTAPPEN LEADS
Hamilton has complained three ties already about his tyres and he’s adamant they will not get him to the end of the race which will be music to the ears of Aston Martin and Fernando Alonso.
Just behind them a truly sublime move by Carlos Sainz on Pierre Gasly, perfectly executed dummy to take P4, that's something you’re going to want to see in the replays later folks.
LAP 23 VERSTAPPEN LEADS
Sergio Perez should start at the back more often, he is driving like a machine and is now into the points up to 9th and chasing Norris.
Chekc out this vision from Hulkenberg’s car from the earlier Albon incident.
The Hulkenberg onboard during Albon's crash 😳
— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) April 2, 2023
Incredible work from the Haas driver to avoid a collision 👠pic.twitter.com/j18X0HKOTN
WHAT HAPPENED AT THE START?
Reigning Australian Grand Prix winner Charles Leclerc is out of the running after Ferrari’s championship hopeful was pushed off into the gravel and turn one.
The Prancing Horse’s horror start to the 2023 season continues with last year’s championship runner-up forced out of the race before a single lap was completed.
In a thrilling start at Albert Park the Mercedes pair of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton both stole ahead of race favourite Max Verstappen on the opening lap.
But as eyes wandered down the field they fell on the Ferrari of Leclerc, which was sent into a spin at the gravel trap.
Replays showed the Monegasque driver was given a deft nudge by Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll as the field bunched entering turn one.
A furious Leclerc showed his anger when he exited the idle Ferrari – forced to watch as his rivals lapped past him under the safety car.
LAP 16 VERSTAPPEN LEADS
Watch out for Carlos Sainz in that Ferrari, he is flying through the field and currently lapping faster than the Red Bull.
This a man who couldn’t complete the race last year.
Verstappen’s lead is up to 3.8 seconds in just four laps which is nuts and his teammate is making up more spots, now up to 13th and chasing Ocon and Piastri.
LAP 12 VERSTAPPEN LEADS
Lovely move from the Red Bull and the speed of that car is just unmatchable.
Hamilton and Max pulling away from the field, 1:21:9 his lap time and the Mercedes won’t be holding on for long.
A little further back Piastri has dropped to 11th and his McLaren teammate is in 10th.
Perez has climbed to 15th having started from the pitlane and Russell has got himself back up to 4th after that safety car hiccup.
LAP 12/58
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 2, 2023
VERSTAPPEN TAKES THE RACE LEAD!!!
Hamilton moves down to P2, Alonso in P3 #AusGP#F1pic.twitter.com/zaQ9PL4S4o
LAP 10 WE ARE BACK RACING
After a 16 minute break we are back racing.
A great restart for Hamilton and Russell getting a strong restart back in 7th taking a spot from Stroll.
AND WE HAVE A CAR AIRBORNE!
Nick de Vries believing he can fly at turn 3 after contact with Ocon, did well to control that landing I will say.
— Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake (@alfaromeostake) April 2, 2023
LAP 9 WINNERS AND LOSER
McLaren up to 9 and 10 and Hulkenberg has made about 5 places in this madness.
Carlos Sainz is a loser of sorts, he’s back in 11th for the restart.
Top 3: HAM, VER, ALO
LAP 7 ANOTHER CAR OUT!
Alex Albon is out of the race and after just two laps we have another safety car.
The Williams out at turn 7 and he’s lost the rear of the car.
Meanwhile some beef-up at Mercedes, Russell’s cracked a little tanty on the radio.
“You’re asking me to push and I’m being attacked by my own teammate”
Now wait for another outburst from Russell because the Mercedes team pulled him in immediately after Albon went off.
Now that the race has been red flagged Russell is stuck back in 7th with Hamilton gifted a free pit stop and he leads the race.
TOTO: “Sorry, George. That screwed us. But we can still go to the front and the podium or better.”
RUSSELL “yeah, not your fault guys.”
McLaren was the big beneficiary with both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri climbing into P9 and 10 respectively as those who chose to pit early were caught out.
WILD
LAP 5 RUSSELL LEADS
No further action from the stewards on either of those issues form the opening lap, both put down as “raving incidents”.
Catch your breath yet? I certainly haven’t.
Perez used the safety car to pit and make some changes and he’s starting to make moves up the pack and is 17th having started form the pitlane.
Now, do not adjust your computer/phone, this is a genuine update for 2023, Mercedes are leading the race. BOTH drivers are 1-2....it’s 2019 all over again.
Verstappen is back to third.
3:01PM
Sergio Perez’s race weekend has gone from bad to awful to ‘why should I bother’ with the Red Bull star now set to start from the pitlane.
Red Bull used his failure to clock a qualifying time to fit new PU components, including a new Energy Store and Control Electronics unit.
Valtteri Bottas will also start from the pitlane after the Alfa Romeo sought permission to change the set-up of his suspension.
The magic mullet not proving hugely lucky this weekend.
Zhou Guanyu and Logan Sagreant will now be at the back of the grid.
2:36PM SCOTTY JAMES SURVIVED HIS BUCKS
Good news to Scotty James fans, he appears to have come through his bucks party unscathed and he’s made it to the track for the race.
James, a Red Bull athlete himself, is set to become Lance Stroll’s brother in law in due course. So where is his allegiance today?
“It’s a controversial conversation to be having,” he told Ted Kravitz and Jenson Button on the grid. “I’m excited to cheer on the bulls and Aston’s going to be quick.
“It blows my mind, my competitions are not on this level but when there’s too many people around it’s overwhelming for me, it’s amazing they have all these people around, it’s pretty special.”
HAPPY SCOTTY JAMES GP pic.twitter.com/pQYxQ7azNA
— Anabel🌻 ˡˢ¹⸠(@formulanabel) April 2, 2023
And finally a real celebrity at the track....after a week of influencers and MAFS
Christian Horner 🤠Kylie Minogue
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 2, 2023
From one pop-legend to the husband of another 😉#AusGP#F1pic.twitter.com/hK1IF0qhc5
2:25PM STRATEGY
There have been 25 Grands Prix at Albert Park, 14 of them have had a safety car or virtual safety car.
So, without a safety car this afternoon we’re looking at a one-stop from all teams.
With a safety cars the gates open and that’s where it gets interesting.
One man hoping for as many SC as possible will be Lando Norris.
Predictions wise, I don't think anyone wanting to see McLaren do well is going to enjoy this afternoon’s race. Norris on track for three consecutive 17th place finishes and Piastri’s debut not going to script.
That said he’s outperformed his teammate so far this year so that’s something.
I’m sticking with my pre-weekend tip of Fernando Alonso for the win with Max and Russell making up the podium.
2:15PM RICCIARDO’S BAD HABITS ARE MCLAREN’S FAULT
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has lifted the lid on the condition Daniel Ricciardo was in when he returned to Red Bull saying “he did not recognise him” after the difficulties the Aussie endured at McLaren.
Ricciardo was acrimoniously sacked by Zak Brown midway through last season and replaced by compatriot Oscar Piastri.
There was significant fury directed at the papaya team for the disingenuous manner in which Ricciardo was treated.
He has now found himself back home with Red Bull as a reserve and developmental driver but brought with him some bad habits which Horner believes stemmed from over compensating for how bad the McLaren is to drive.
“It’s great to have him back with us,” Horner told Fox. “He grew up with us we had a lot of fun together. I’m sure he’s missing not driving but it’s good to have him playing a role.
“He picked up a few bad habits and you can see that from driving cars that aren’t at a level he was used to, you have to make up for what you have.
“We had to go back to basics. He’s come back (from a break at Christmas) fully retuned, we just need to feed him up a bit.
“We’ve always kept in touch and I’ve had a great relationship. It was a shame to see, I haven’t recognised him the last few years in the McLaren that’s not the Daniel we know. When the news came out we said come spend a season with us and rediscover your love again and we’ll see where that leads.
“He’s a big energy guy and he’s sensitive, we want to try to reintroduce him to his love for F1.”
1:52PM HOW MIGHT THIS START GO?
I’ve mentioned it a few times so far today but this race start could be rather spicy given three of the four front starters.
Russell the gentleman will have eyes forward but Hamilton, Max and Fernando Alonso could well tango.
So what’s the start like? Let’s hear from a man who knows.
“It’s always tricky to get off the line here a lot of drivers have fluffed their lines here,” Jenson Button said.
“If you go too defensively then you will be run off, turns one and three are crucial here.
“We don’t know what to expect and you have to think on your feet here. How long they go on the hard tyre will be interesting too.
“You need a good car in Australia.”
Well that’s Piastri and Lando with no chance then eh.
1:39PM CAN GEORGE STEL THE LEAD?
His Mercedes starts 3rd on the grid and George Russell insists he will be all eyes on Max Verstappen ahead of him, not his teammate in 2nd or Fernando Alonso in 4th.
In what could be a very action packed opening few turns, Russell is confident the Mercedes can hold off the Aston Martins and Ferraris but they won’t show pace to beat Max.
“I’d love to say yes (we can go faster than RB) and we will do everything possible but realistically, our numbers show the RB is six 10ths ahead,” he said. “Hopefully we are second best.
“Somethings weren’t right on Friday that came good on Saturday, the car probably exceeded expectations and we have a few more things to understand.
“It’s promising. We’ve got some big gains to come. My eyes are forward so always on Max, make a good start and there’s an opportunity to take the lead.”
CARNAGE ON TRACK: SHOCKING SCENES FROM AUS G
Enzo Fittipaldi turned the airwaves blue as his car spun off track to conclude two minutes of carnage in the F2 at Albert Park.
The Brazilian’s race came to a premature end under safety car conditions and he was fortunate not to have driven straight into the retired car of Roy Nissany who’d only just climbed out of the cockpit.
Fittipaldi had pitted under yellow flag conditions and immediately came undone with what appeared to be damage to his rear suspension.
Shockingly, Nissany had been allowed to walk along the side of the track from his car while his F1 colleagues continued to drive laps.
Given the events which followed, it’s fortunate marshals had not yet taken to the track to tend to Nissany’s car.
Fittipaldi dropped numerous f-bombs across the radio as his race came to an end.
“I’ve never seen a race like this, they can’t get the tyre temperatures they need. It’s like an ice rink out there.”
Australia’s Jack Doohan finished 8th in the race.
Scary moment as Enzo Fittipaldi's pits under yellow, goes immediately off track coming out of the pits, damaging the rear suspension, which fails and just misses the already crashed car of Nissany. pic.twitter.com/IKVxKjM0M1
— RaceCanada.ca (@RaceCanada_ca) April 2, 2023
12:30PM F1 STAR’S QUIT THREAT AMID RIDICULOUS RULE CHANGES
World champion Max Verstappen has warned Formula One it won’t be “worth it” to continue in the sport if officials continue to mess with its racing “DNA”.
In a post-qualifying rant after putting his Red Bull on pole position for the Australian Grand Prix, Verstappen voiced his displeasure for the sprint format amid more suggested format changes.
The fourth round in Azerbaijan is set to host the first of six sprint events on this year’s F1 calendar and there has been discussion about tweaking the format to introduce a second qualifying session in place of FP2.
As he prepared to hunt his first Australian Grand Prix victory, Verstappen shot down the proposed changes, saying the race weekends were intense enough already.
The Dutch star suggested Formula One would be better off condensing the weekend and racing only on Saturdays and Sundays.
“I’m not a fan of it at all,” Verstappen said.
“But also, I think when we’re going to do all that kind of stuff, the weekend becomes even more intense and we’re already doing so many races.
“So I think that it is not the right way to go at it. I understand, of course, they want to have basically every day exciting, but then I think maybe it’s better to just reduce the weekend, only race on Saturday and Sunday and make those two days exciting.
“We’re heading into seasons where you have at one point 24/25 races, because that’s where we’re going to head into, and if we then start adding even more stuff, it’s not worth it for me anyway. I’m not enjoying that.”
Lamenting the sprint format, Verstappen said it was not a part of the sport’s DNA.
“For me, a sprint race is all about surviving, it’s not about racing,” Verstappen said.
“For me, when you have a quick car, there’s nothing to risk. I prefer to just keep my car alive and make sure that you have a good race car for Sunday.
“And even if you change the format, I don’t find it’s the DNA of Formula 1 to do these kinds of sprint races.
“F1 is about getting the most out of it in qualifying and then having an amazing Sunday, good long race distances.
“That’s the DNA of the sport and I don’t understand or I don’t know why we should change that because I think the action has been good.”
Verstappen said the solution to providing a more exciting racing product was to have more teams fighting for race wins rather than format changes.
“How do you get even more action is about getting the cars closer, getting more teams able to fight for the win,” Verstappen said.
“And I think naturally the show will be great. If we have six, seven teams already fighting for a win, that will be insane. Then you really don’t need to change anything.”
12:15PM WILL IT RAIN?
Melbourne is not the most exciting track on the circuit by any stretch of the imagination so rain is essential to making this entertaining.
Sadly, Melbourne’s weather looks set to behave all day and we’re in for dry track time and sunshine.
That’s said the front four will make for an interesting chase into turn 1 so anything could happen early on.
11:28PM MERCEDES STUNNED BY THEIR OWN SUCCESS
George Russell said his Mercedes car was the “best” he had raced and the team took “huge” confidence from qualifying at the Australian Grand Prix regardless of what happens in the race.
The Briton will start from the front row in Melbourne on Sunday alongside dominant Red Bull champion Max Verstappen, with his teammate Lewis Hamilton third.
Their efforts, outpacing Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and both the Ferraris, raised hopes that they could make the podium.
Team boss Toto Wolff said this week Mercedes had made “promising” progress since the first two Grand Prix of the season, and Russell said he couldn’t be happier.
“I think we’re learning more about this car, I don’t think it is where we want it to be, but it’s evolved, just for the set up, from Bahrain to Jeddah to here,” he said.
“For sure, the tyres played a big part this weekend ... but just to be two-and-half tenths (of a second) off (Verstappen) when we have been a second on other occasions.”
- AFP
Race day at my first home GP ðŸ˜ðŸ‡¦ðŸ‡º The fan support has been amazing! Going to give it my all 👊 #OP81#F1#AusGPpic.twitter.com/KlkzmLh2V0
— Oscar Piastri (@OscarPiastri) April 1, 2023
10:45AM CAN PEREZ RECOVER?
A dejected Sergio Perez said he was hoping Red Bull can fix the issue that wrecked his Australian Grand Prix qualifying so he can “minimise the damage” in the race.
The Mexican, who won in Saudi Arabia a fortnight ago, had a horror day in Melbourne as he struggled with grip and balance.
He joined the third practice session 20 minutes late as mechanics worked on his car, but left the track four times when he finally got on the circuit.
The problem persisted in qualifying when he locked up and careened into the gravel at Turn 3 on his first lap, beaching the car that had to be removed by a crane.
It means he will start last on Sunday, with a mountain to climb to get in the points on a track where overtaking isn’t easy.
He told reporters the issue seemed to be brake balance, which he thought had been sorted out.
“I hope we are able to fix the technical issue for tomorrow, otherwise it will be really hard to race like this,” he said.
“We are confident that together as a team we will be able to sort it out because it’s very important that we do so.
“This morning we had the issue. We thought we had fixed it,” he added. “So I was pretty confident on that part, but that wasn’t the case, as soon as I touched the brake in Turn 3 (in qualifying).”
This one is a tough to swallow. But we will work together as a team to solve the issues in the car and to minimize the damage in tomorrow’s race. We're going to try our best as always. #nevergiveup#australiangppic.twitter.com/rInhIu93Gw
— Sergio Pérez (@SChecoPerez) April 1, 2023
10AM MAX FACTOR: CAN ANYONE STOP VERSTAPPEN BLITZ?
First pole position in Melbourne? Check.
First Australian Grand Prix win? Possibly.
Two of our experts are expecting a victory for Red Bull world champion Max Verstappen on Sunday, one year after he was forced out of the race won by Charles Leclerc.
It promises to be a race full of storylines.
Can one of the pre-race favourites Sergio Perez cause havoc from the back of the grid?
Could George Russell and Lewis Hamilton work together to dethrone Verstappen?
Can Oscar Piastri defy starting in 16th to finish in the points?
All those questions will be answered on what promises to be an epic day of racing.
Scroll down to see who our experts have tipped to triumph and follow all Sunday’s action live here.
EXPERT PREDICTIONS
REBECCA WILLIAMS
Herald Sun
1st Max Verstappen
2nd Fernando Alonso
3rd George Russell
Piastri to finish … 15th
Verstappen proved he’s the best in qualifying. He can repel all challengers. Fernando Alonso has looked better than the two Mercedes this season and can leapfrog Russell for second. Can’t see Piastri moving far up the grid, unfortunately.
CALLUM DICK
Sunday Herald Sun
1st Fernando Alonso
2nd Max Verstappen
3rd George Russell
Piastri to finish … 14th
Verstappen is the heavy favourite but his Red Bull was on edge all Saturday. Fernando Alonso looked in complete control. The Spaniard can win. Piastri will struggle to move up the grid.
MARK SKAIFE
Fox Sports commentator
1st Verstappen
2nd Russell
3rd Fernando Alonso
Piastri to finish … outside top 10
If Piastri finishes inside the top 10 that would be a great result.
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