F1

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali admits talks are underway about converting the Australian GP from a daytime race to one that is run under floodlights.

"It's a part of the discussion," F1 CEO Domenicali said. "I just think if we could make that work, it would be an amazing spectacle." "It's a matter of investment, but it could be attractive, that's why when you plan for so long, you can really think what is the best to create new products."

Express Sport brings you the latest news and updates from the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

But 2009 F1 world champion Button said “maybe George did get lucky” in Jeddah as he backed Hamilton to close the gap at Albert Park. The Spaniard was quickest ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc as the rain poured down at Albert Park. It was a decision that saw the former F1 race director vilified. That is the fastest car I have seen, especially compared to the rest." Speaking in the team principal’s press conference, Horner said: “It's absolutely ludicrous to be doing the first sprint race of the year in a street race like Azerbaijan. The Dutchman's car looked a level above as it opened up its rear wing to easily overtake Hamilton down the pit straight. And an unusual decision from Masi ultimately cost the Mercedes star the crown. He and [Nico] Rosberg were a minute ahead in 2014 and 2015... Hamilton has finished fifth in both races this season and is already 23 points behind Max Verstappen in the Drivers' standings after a disastrous opening race for the W14. Meanwhile, there have been three virtual safety car periods and two red flags, making it one of the most dangerous circuits on the calendar. [Max Verstappen's ](/latest/max-verstappen) [Red Bull](/latest/red-bull) and even [Fernando Alonso](/latest/fernando-alonso) in the Aston Martin have shown more competitiveness on the track so far this season, while Ferrari's true pace remains a mystery. Christian Horner has criticised the FIA for an “absolutely ludicrous” decision which could affect Max Verstappen.

The second practice session of the day is done with rain proving a tricky customer in Melbourne.

PART ONE - TEAM REPRESENTATIVES Otmar SZAFNAUER (Alpine), Guenther STEINER (Haas), Mario ISOLA (Pirelli) Q: Guenther, let's start with you.

CH: The reality is it’s absolutely ludicrous to be doing the first sprint race of the year in a street race like Azerbaijan but I think from a spectacle point of view, from a fan point of view, is probably going to be one of the most exciting sprint races of the year. We always have run two cars since we entered the sport in 2005 and we always want to have the best two drivers that we can in the car and I think it's great to see Checo doing certainly a great job now. But we also must not forget, we have a huge gap to close and we have to also anticipate and respect that they will also not stand still in the time because they still have some time. I think it's something that we need to respect if it's a pure safety directive, and if that is the rule, then we will comply with it and if someone doesn't, then we will pay the fine. And for us, it’s just positive to have him in the team, contributing to the team, to the drivers, to the engineering team. This is also taken often as a reference, you know, like when we see where we are now, but compared to finishing seventh, I think we were better than that at the end of last year, but the result is just what is on paper. We don't know how we do it and if we do it, so I think once we have done that, instead of FP2 on a Sprint event on Saturday morning, we do a qualifying and then we are in a situation to evaluate whether one FP, which would be FP1, enough to get out what we want and go from there and then decide what is next in making the free practice session more interesting for the spectator, because that is what we need to make it. Do you think this is the best version of Checo that you've seen at Red Bull in his two and a bit years at the team? So we are on this journey, as I said, and we have to wait a little bit and see what is going to happen on that. We know how important it is to go in this direction of sustainability, and we are also working on the slick tyres and after the race in Barcelona, we have the next test session where, for the first time, the baseline will be a tyre without blankets. We are happy to play our part in the sport, as I said, and to follow the requests that are coming from drivers, teams, FIA and F1, to have a sport that is even better, if it is possible. I think Bahrain, we were not good, I must say it – but we knew why and I always said I think Jeddah is a different place, and in Jeddah, we were pretty good, I would say, for where we are at.

Max Verstappen topped the combined times on Friday for Red Bull ahead of the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix. Here's how and when to watch qualifying. Haydn ...

[PlusPlusFormula 1 ](/f1/news/how-f1s-new-era-has-exposed-the-downside-of-its-most-important-rule/10449931/) The temperature is set to be 15 degrees Celsius at the start of qualifying. For the entire 2023 F1 season, Channel 4 will broadcast highlights of every qualifying and race of each event. In the United Kingdom Channel 4 is broadcasting highlights of qualifying for the Australian GP at 11:15am BST on Saturday morning. Sky Sports can also be accessed through NOW with a one-off day payment of £11.98p or a monthly membership of £34.99p. Live streaming through NOW is also available in the UK.

It's hard not to think about Daniel Ricciardo whilst we're in Melbourne for the Australian GP, and he's already been sat on the Red Bull pit wall, ...

To go back and to maybe put myself in any seat that’s fighting at best for like a top 10, I don’t think it’s going to bring the best out of me. that we didn’t recognise as the Daniel that had left us two or three years earlier. It’s not at all costs.”

Ricciardo is off the F1 grid this year and in a reserve role for Red Bull but, as he returns to the paddock for the first time at the Australian Grand Prix, ...

"We had discussions with Daniel and ended up with Pierre, when he became available," said the Alpine chief in Melbourne. He is in the paddock at this weekend's [Australian Grand Prix](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/australian-grand-prix) for the first time in his new capacity, taking part in important marketing tasks while also being on standby in case he is needed for action. "At the moment I want to find out... He said: "It's a bit early to speak about a driver change already for next year so let's see what we are doing with these drivers. "Everybody is [going to] want to speak with Daniel. [Alpine](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/alpine-f1) may be one of them if their all-French partnership of [Esteban Ocon](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/esteban-ocon) and new signing [Pierre Gasly](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/pierre-gasly) does not work out – and [Otmar Szafnauer](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/otmar-szafnauer) had discussions with the Aussie before setting his current pairing in stone. [Haas](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/haas-f1) team principal [Guenther Steiner](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/guenther-steiner) did not rule out discussions later in the year – though he made it clear he would give [Kevin Magnussen](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/kevin-magnussen) and [Nico Hulkenberg](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/nico-hulkenberg) every chance to prove their worth. "He's signed with Red Bull now but I think he's a fantastic racing driver, he's still young and I wouldn't be surprised if he's back racing in the future." The year off, maybe he knows again what he wants to do and he will be interesting for everybody in F1. [Daniel Ricciardo](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/daniel-ricciardo) may have several potential suitors for a 2024 race seat should he decide he wants to race again in [Formula 1](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formula-1/). [Red Bull](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/red-bull-f1) reserve this year, having been axed by [McLaren](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/mclaren-f1) a year earlier than planned. Questions remain over his F1 future and whether he will return to a race seat.

Ricciardo had stepped away from a full-time race seat following the 2022 season, after he and McLaren agreed to part company in the wake of a frustrating ...

[PrimePrimeFormula 1 ](/f1/news/how-f1s-new-era-has-exposed-the-downside-of-its-most-important-rule/10450392/) Horner added: "He's really throwing himself into it. "But having had time off over Christmas and so on, and a chance to reset, when he's come back and got into the 2023 work, he's hit the ground running.

JONATHAN McEVOY IN MELBOURNE: The Aussie favourite is sitting out this season after being sacked by McLaren last term and is now reserve driver at Red Bull.

‘I sit here today and I have confidence I will get back on the grid if that [pointing to his heart] is truly there, and three months into this year that doesn't feel like it is lost. A lot of people might just see what you are doing on social media, and it is often not a true representation of everything that is going on. ‘But this year I will reflect on myself and where I am at in life. I don't see a decade ahead of me.’ ‘It wasn't to be famous. ‘Transparently it wouldn't be about the money,’ said Ricciardo.

Melbourne's Albert Park Circuit will play host to the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix this weekend.

Pirelli has nominated the C2 as the White hard, the C3 as the Yellow medium, and the C4 as the Red soft. Weather can be a mixed bag in Melbourne, but the current forecast calls for mild temperatures and only partly cloudy skies for both Saturday's qualifying and Sunday's race. A difference this year will be an additional fourth DRS zone between between Turn 8 and Turn 9, which could allow the car to reach new top speeds.

Rosewood London has just announced it will be offering bespoke Formula 1 experiences for racing enthusiasts in the UK for the monumental motorsport event ...

Once at the circuit, you’ll have exclusive access to the track and be able to see all of the action up close. The en suite, meanwhile, has a massive circular soaking tub carved from a single block of marble. Inside the quarters, you’ll find an airy living room, a library (which the hotel will curate especially for your interests), and a dining room for eight guests. The primary bedroom is large enough to accommodate two king-size beds and has a spacious walk-in closet for all of your belongings. To get there, you can pick a car from the hotel’s fleet, which includes rides by Mercedes, Range Rover, and Rolls-Royce. [Rosewood London](https://robbreport.com/travel/destinations/slideshow/top-100-hotels-2015-europe-part-1/rosewood-london/) has just announced it will be offering bespoke [Formula 1](https://robbreport.com/tag/formula-1/) experiences for racing enthusiasts in the UK for the monumental motorsport event this July.

Max Verstappen headed the practice times on Friday at the Australian Grand Prix, his FP1 best quicker than Fernando Alonso's session-topper in a ...

The teams suggest no more rain is forecast right now, but it's worth noting several of them didn't expect what fell this afternoon to be as much or as heavy as things ended up being. Ferrari concentrated on trying to fix the race tyre management issues that plagued it in Bahrain and Jeddah during FP1 – a shrewd move given it can rival Red Bull in qualifying. Aston Martin tried a variety of set-up changes in FP1 regarding ride heights and wing angles, which is what Alonso meant when he said "we concentrated on some test items and ran through our programme smoothly" in that session. Therefore, if Red Bull doesn't make the right adjustments and continues to have wild moments tomorrow, there's the chance of an upset in qualifying. Expect them to dry and gather as much qualifying and long-run data as they can in the final 60-minute session to replace their Friday night predictions. Then Perez never got to try another flier as the rain rolled in and stopped the drivers improving. In FP2, Sainz and Verstappen exchanged early benchmark times at the top of the order before Alonso forged clear on a 1m18.887s – the trio running the medium tyres. With a few minutes of FP1 remaining, Logan Sargeant stopping coming out of Turn 11 due to an electrical meant the session was cut short. This occurred when Verstappen climbed hard onto the kerbs exiting Turn 4 and nearly speared into the track's inside wall in a manner similar to the incident where Sebastian Vettel crashed out of last year's race here for Aston Martin. This led to several near-misses between cars on different run plans that were going slowly and quickly at different times, so FP1 was red-flagged for nearly 10 minutes. In FP1, the pack had to contend with two invisible factors that set the story of that session. While there was less for the teams to go on than usual after Friday's disrupted running, unseen practice factors may perhaps offer Red Bull's rivals a glimmer of hope in Melbourne

Haas Team boss Guenther Steiner has not ruled out the Australian as a candidate for their team in the future.

[Alpine confirmed they were in talks with Ricciardo for his services](https://racingnews365.com/alpine-confirm-they-approached-ricciardo-for-2023-seat), and Haas also emerged as a potential route at the time given the departure of Mick Schumacher. "Everybody is wanting to speak with Danny after a year off, maybe he knows again what he wants to do and he will be interesting for everybody in F1," said Steiner to media, including RacingNews365.com. [To news overview](/f1-news)© XPBimages [Haas](/formula-1-teams/haas) Team Principal Guenther Steiner claims that "everybody is wanting to speak" to Daniel Ricciardo about a seat in 2024.

Ricciardo had stepped away from a full-time race seat following the 2022 season, after he and McLaren agreed to part company in the wake of a frustrating ...

He lights up a room when he walks in. Horner added: "He's really throwing himself into it. "But having had time off over Christmas and so on, and a chance to reset, when he's come back and got into the 2023 work, he's hit the ground running.

In a message sent to all team managers and FIA officials from single-seater director Steve Nielsen, the governing body clarified how in-race penalties should be ...

Red Bull principal Christian Horner has criticized the stricter interpretation of a rule that bans Formula One team employees from climbing pit wall to ...

Verstappen’s time of 1 minute, 18.790 seconds was the fastest of both sessions and 0.433 seconds quicker than seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in the first practice outing. But they know the rules of engagement, that it is team first, particularly at this stage of the year." Horner, meanwhile, is happy for Verstappen and teammate Sergio Perez to duel on the track but said they must remember that the team comes first. “They are competitive animals and they are both racing drivers at the end of the day. “But it’s a fairly iconic moment when you see a Grand Prix car finishing a Grand Prix and its team celebrating on a fence, as long as it’s done in a manner that is safe. We want two drivers that are going to be pushing and challenging each other,” he said.

Then at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Fernando Alonso was given a five-second penalty of his own. Later in the race, questions arose whether Alonso served the ...

So, you approached the box, let’s say, not looking at the box, you are looking on one side of the cockpit. Also, I think the FIA doesn’t want to have any problem with that, because there is no performance advantage, as long as you don’t go too forward. “You can see the yellow line as a reference, but it is up to me to fix it.” “It is difficult and we are very concentrated on the yellow line to not go too far forward. Alonso talked about the new grid boxes, as well as the central line, during press conferences ahead of this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix. “The central line? [Russell in the post-race press conference](https://www.fia.com/news/f1-2023-saudi-arabian-grand-prix-post-race-press-conference-transcript). “It’s incredibly difficult [to see the grid box]. So we will try to be more focused on the box this weekend and avoid any penalty.” The wider boxes should make it easier for the drivers to align properly at the start, and this change will likely be welcomed by the drivers. Starting with this weekend’s race, the grid boxes at the start will be wider by 20 cm. Following the race, both George Russell, Sergio Pérez, and Max Verstappen spoke to this issue.

MELBOURNE: Formula One officials confirmed on Friday (Mar 31) that teams can no longer touch their cars with jacks during penalty pitstops in the wake of ...

"For clarity and until further notice, in this context the physical touching of the car or driver by hand, tools or equipment (including the front and rear jacks) during any such penalty will all be considered to constitute work," the FIA said. With teams banned from working on cars during penalty pitstops, the governing FIA issued a directive to clear up the matter. Aston Martin driver Alonso was handed a five-second penalty for an error on the starting grid at Jeddah and then another for failing to serve it properly - the rear jack being in contact with his car before the five seconds were up.

F1 decamps to Melbourne, Australia with Red Bull leading the pack. Who from Aston Martin, Ferrari and Mercedes can challenge them?

Here’s how to watch the 2023 Australian Grand Prix. If you miss those shows, you can catch the action on the All 4 app after it’s broadcast. If you’re seeking a safe and secure VPN, we’d recommend But keep in mind this is the Australian Grand Prix, and just like last year, not everything goes to plan. Can he continue his strong start and be the cat among the Red Bull pigeons. How to watch the Australian F1 Grand Prix 2023

F1 teams were reminded that personnel are not allowed to climb the pit wall debris fences, after scenes in Jeddah got out of hand.

"I think here will be quite difficult to climb fences because there are none. So one saved." "I think it's something that we need to respect if it's a pure safety directive, and if that is the rule, then we will comply with it and if someone doesn't, then we will pay the fine.

Formula One teams have been told they can no longer celebrate drivers' victories on the pitwall in another barmy ruling by the FIA.

Another wrote: “This is just beyond ridiculous, it seems the FIA have ran out of things to ban.” “But you know, if they’re the rules they’re the rules.” “Any action by a team breaching this ban will be reported to the stewards.” “But it’s a fairly iconic moment when you see a car finishing a Grand Prix and its team celebrating on a fence, and so long as it’s done in a manner that is safe… In his pre-weekend event safety notes, he said “it is forbidden to climb on the pitwall debris fence at any time”. The FIA’s International Sporting Code states: “The pit wall signalling platform should be forbidden to all except authorised officials or race team personnel, having a special pass.”

FIA officials confirmed teams can not touch their cars with jacks during penalty pitstops after the Fernando Alonso debacle at the Saudi GP.

With teams banned from working on cars during penalty pitstops, on Friday in Melbourne, the F1 governing FIA issued a directive to clear up the matter ahead of the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday. The directive follows an FIA decision to widen grid slots at Albert Park for Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix after Esteban Ocon and Alonso were penalised for missing their marks in the season’s first two races. Aston Martin driver Alonso was handed a controversial five-second penalty for an error on the starting grid, in Jeddah, and then another for failing to serve it properly – the rear jack being in contact with his car before the five seconds were up.

Formula One officials confirmed on Friday teams can no longer touch their cars with jacks during penalty pitstops in the wake of the Fernando Alonso ...

“For clarity and until further notice, in this context the physical touching of the car or driver by hand, tools or equipment (including the front and rear jacks) during any such penalty will all be considered to constitute work,” the FIA said. The additional penalty saw the twice world champion demoted to fourth from third but stewards later rowed back on the decision after Aston Martin successfully appealed, putting Alonso back on the podium. Formula One officials confirmed on Friday teams can no longer touch their cars with jacks during penalty pit stops in the wake of the Fernando Alonso controversy at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Red Bull principal Christian Horner has criticized the stricter interpretation of a rule that bans Formula One team employees from climbing pit wall to ...

Verstappen’s time of 1 minute, 18.790 seconds was the fastest of both sessions and 0.433 seconds quicker than seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in the first practice outing. But they know the rules of engagement, that it is team first, particularly at this stage of the year." Horner, meanwhile, is happy for Verstappen and teammate Sergio Perez to duel on the track but said they must remember that the team comes first. “They are competitive animals and they are both racing drivers at the end of the day. “But it’s a fairly iconic moment when you see a Grand Prix car finishing a Grand Prix and its team celebrating on a fence, as long as it’s done in a manner that is safe. We want two drivers that are going to be pushing and challenging each other,” he said.

Back in the paddock for the first time this season, Daniel Ricciardo has revealed “the signs are pointing towards” a 2024 return to the Formula 1 grid.

Formula 1 has discussed the possibility of turning the Australian Grand Prix weekend into a night-race event. Night races have been increasing in popularity ...

So be open-minded is probably the simple answer.” Stefano Domenicali says that he has already discussed the possibility with race organisers and hinted that it could be implemented in the future. The Australian Grand Prix has long been present on F1’s calendar, with Albert Park in Melbourne being the host since 1996.

Follow the third F1 free practice session for the Australian GP live. Keep up to date with everything that happens during FP3 at Albert Park.

In the blog, we will provide you with the latest developments during FP3 in Melbourne. The times refresh automatically during the session, so you are always up to date. You can easily switch between live timing and the live blog via the tabs.

Red Bull principal Christian Horner has criticized the stricter interpretation of a rule that bans Formula One team employees from climbing pit wall to ...

Verstappen’s time of 1 minute, 18.790 seconds was the fastest of both sessions and 0.433 seconds quicker than seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in the first practice outing. But they know the rules of engagement, that it is team first, particularly at this stage of the year." Horner, meanwhile, is happy for Verstappen and teammate Sergio Perez to duel on the track but said they must remember that the team comes first. “They are competitive animals and they are both racing drivers at the end of the day. “But it’s a fairly iconic moment when you see a Grand Prix car finishing a Grand Prix and its team celebrating on a fence, as long as it’s done in a manner that is safe. We want two drivers that are going to be pushing and challenging each other,” he said.

SportsLine's model analyzes Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and the rest of the field's chances at the F1 Australian GP 2023 race.

So who wins the Australia Grand Prix 2023? Before analyzing the 2023 Australian Grand Prix starting grid and making any Formula 1 picks, His teammates Jenson Button, Nico Rosberg and Valtteri Bottas have gone on to win six times at the Australian GP while Hamilton has only won twice. The 2023 Formula 1 season will continue on Sunday with the 2023 Rolex Australian Grand Prix at the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit in Melbourne, Australia. It nailed both of Leclerc's wins in 2022, and at the 2021 Mexican Grand Prix, the model was strongly backing Verstappen as its top pick. The 2023 Australian GP will begin at 1 a.m.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen edged Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso in Saturday's third free practice session for Formula 1's Australian Grand Prix. Filip ...

[PlusPlusFormula 1 ](/f1/news/why-drivers-are-the-least-of-ferraris-f1-worries/10448581/) [PlusPlusFormula 1 ](/f1/news/ranking-the-top-10-pre-war-grand-prix-drivers/10447980/) [Logan Sargeant](https://www.autosport.com/driver/logan-sargeant/863323/) and [Kevin Magnussen](https://www.autosport.com/driver/kevin-magnussen/829773/) were next up, with De Vries and [Lando Norris](https://www.autosport.com/driver/lando-norris/840487/) propping up the timesheets. [PlusPlusFormula 1 ](/f1/news/the-state-of-play-in-f1s-technical-silly-season/10449298/) [PlusPlusFormula 1 ](/f1/news/the-cycle-of-f1-upheaval-williams-must-end-to-rediscover-past-glories/10449257/) [PlusPlusFormula 1Australian GP ](/f1/news/the-recent-australian-gp-form-history-that-will-boost-ferrari-in-f1-2023/10449455/) [PlusPlusFormula 1Australian GP ](/f1/news/why-piastris-f1-homecoming-will-be-a-landmark-occasion/10449570/) [PlusPlusFormula 1 ](/f1/news/how-f1s-new-era-has-exposed-the-downside-of-its-most-important-rule/10449931/) [PlusPlusFormula 1Saudi Arabian GP ](/f1/news/whats-next-for-mercedes-in-the-quest-to-get-back-to-the-top-of-f1/10449981/) Following Friday's messy sessions the loss of track time was even more costly for Perez than usual. [F1 Formula 1Australian GP ](/f1/news/live-f1-australian-gp-commentary-and-updates-fp3-qualifying-10451152/10451152/) [F1 Formula 1Australian GP ](/f1/news/f1-australian-gp-verstappen-leads-alonso-in-final-practice/10451255/)

'Holy smokes': Shock contender amid Aussie rule breach drama, Red Bull woes - F1 LIVE.

“I fully believe (that) and certainly when I came to the team, things were very different. Some cars continued to run on the dry tyres but failed to improve their times at all. Pierre Gasly, Alpine (+1.319) “We respect each other. And I think that’s something good to have as a driver. And as a team, we’ve always strived to give both drivers the best opportunity and the best equipment we can and then it’s down to what they do on track. Last year, he was definitely more at home within the car and two of our 17 victories he achieved. “Well, that’s the first I’ve heard him saying that,” Horner said. Pierre Gasly, Alpine (+0.529) Esteban Ocon, Alpine (+0.373) Practice is over for Lando.” “This is not entirely scheduled because there’s a very slim chance of rain and we lost Practice 2 essentially ...

The F1 Australian Grand Prix ramps up today, with all eyes at Albert Park to be on Saturday afternoon's qualifying. Will Red Bull driver and heavy favourite ...

For viewers planning to live stream F1 in 2023, you can watch via the Sky Go app if you're an existing subscriber or you can purchase For fans in Canada, TSN will carry the English-language telecast of races. Elsewhere, Sling TV will also show the action, as too will FuboTV in the US. For Spanish-language viewers, they can find live broadcasts on ESPN Deportes, though ESPNews and ESPNU will also show some practice and qualifying sessions live throughout the year. Time (AEDT) He also recorded the fastest-ever F1 lap around Albert Park - 1:17.565.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen edged Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso in Saturday's third free practice session for Formula 1's Australian Grand Prix. Filip Cleeren.

[PrimePrimeFormula 1 ](/f1/news/how-vasseur-has-begun-ferraris-mission-to-keep-leclerc-on-side/10447929/) [PrimePrimeFormula 1 ](/f1/news/why-drivers-are-the-least-of-ferraris-f1-worries/10448693/) [PrimePrimeFormula 1 ](/f1/news/ranking-the-top-10-pre-war-grand-prix-drivers/10449084/) [Logan Sargeant](https://www.motorsport.com/driver/logan-sargeant/289607/) (Williams) and [Kevin Magnussen](https://www.motorsport.com/driver/kevin-magnussen/15905/) (Haas) were next up, with De Vries and [Lando Norris](https://www.motorsport.com/driver/lando-norris/289316/) propping up the timesheets. [PrimePrimeFormula 1 ](/f1/news/the-state-of-play-in-f1s-technical-silly-season/10449427/) [PrimePrimeFormula 1 ](/f1/news/the-cycle-of-f1-upheaval-williams-must-end-to-rediscover-past-glories/10449522/) [Alpine](https://www.motorsport.com/team/alpine/24858/) of [Pierre Gasly](https://www.motorsport.com/driver/pierre-gasly/19626/) was fifth, followed by Perez, who saw two of his hot laps ruined by locking up under braking and taking to the run-off. [PrimePrimeFormula 1Australian GP ](/f1/news/the-recent-australian-gp-form-history-that-will-boost-ferrari-in-f1-2023/10449759/) [PrimePrimeFormula 1 ](/f1/news/how-f1s-new-era-has-exposed-the-downside-of-its-most-important-rule/10450392/) [PrimePrimeFormula 1Australian GP ](/f1/news/why-piastris-f1-homecoming-will-be-a-landmark-occasion/10449894/) Following Friday's messy sessions, the loss of track time was even more costly for Perez than usual. [F1 Formula 1Australian GP ](/f1/news/f1-australian-gp-fp3-verstappen-fastest-alonso/10451258/)

It was Max Verstappen on top at the end of an eventful FP3, especially for Sergio Perez...

Formula 1 chiefs are constantly looking for ways to make the weekend action more exciting and appealing to fans, but the changes have not gone down well ...

"But that's part of the challenge and it's part of the task that we've got. However, he also had a complaint regarding the decision to hold the first such event of the year in Baku. The first Sprint weekend of 2023 will be in Baku at the end of April. I naturally, of course, hope that there won't be too many changes – otherwise I won't be around for too long." But Verstappen has made it clear he is not on board with such a plan. This year, the programme has been extended to six Grands Prix of the 23.

F1 introduced a sprint race format two years ago. The number of sprint races this season has doubled to include six on the calendar, up from just three in 2022.

It is not the first time Verstappen has complained about changes being made to the race weekend. Basically, the question is: ‘Is it worth it to spend so much time away from family and friends by chasing more success?’. “Instead of FP2 on a sprint event on Saturday morning, we do our qualifying. [Red Bull](/latest/red-bull) star’s frustration comes after Haas boss Guenther Steiner revealed there could be a second round of qualifying for the sprint race in Baku next month. [Max Verstappen](/latest/max-verstappen) has sensationally threatened to quit Formula One if the authorities continue changing the format of race weekends. “I think that’s way better for the excitement.

Max Verstappen issues a warning to Formula One, saying he may leave the sport if it persists with its experiments on the race weekend format.

It quickly became apparent that the lack of live GPS tracking was creating the main safety issue, with drivers unaware of cars appearing behind them at high ...

[PlusPlusFormula 1 ](/f1/news/why-drivers-are-the-least-of-ferraris-f1-worries/10448581/) [PlusPlusFormula 1 ](/f1/news/ranking-the-top-10-pre-war-grand-prix-drivers/10447980/) [PlusPlusFormula 1 ](/f1/news/the-state-of-play-in-f1s-technical-silly-season/10449298/) [PlusPlusFormula 1 ](/f1/news/the-cycle-of-f1-upheaval-williams-must-end-to-rediscover-past-glories/10449257/) [PlusPlusFormula 1 ](/f1/news/how-f1s-new-era-has-exposed-the-downside-of-its-most-important-rule/10449931/) So, I think it's a bit of a safety thing.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen narrowly beat Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso to the top of the timesheet in the final practice session ahead of qualifying for the ...

Fifth at the end of the session was Gasly, followed by the unfortunate Pérez, who locked up on his first flying lap and flat-spotted another set of tyres. After a three-minute halt the session got underway again and a flurry of quick laps followed as drivers emerged on soft tyres for their qualifying runs. Pérez was followed by Sainz and Hamilton, while Aston's Lance Stroll and Zhou rounded out the top 10. Luckily for the Chinese driver he escaped serious damage and was able to continue. There was no sign at this point, however, of the second Red Bull of Sergio Pérez. it's all OK with the car? Ocon then moved up the order, taking third 0.373s behind Verstappen and 0.017s ahead of Russell. Very inconsistent in the corner," said the Mexican as he continued to struggle with his RB19. Esteban Ocon took third place for a quick looking Alpine as team-mate Pierre Gasly finished fifth behind Mercedes’ George Russell. The Mexican spent the opening minutes of the session in the Red Bull garage with his crew working on his car and when he eventually emerged 20 minutes into the hour a torrid session began with a Turn 3 lock-up that damaged his opening set of soft tyres. The final hour of practice got underway in cool temperatures and under overcast skies and it was Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz who made the initial headway, with the Spaniard going top thanks to a time of 1:19.061 set on soft tyres. Charles Leclerc in the other Ferrari was getting more from his soft tyres, however, and the Monegasque driver bypassed Verstappen's marker to take P1 with a lap of 1:18.731 before improving to 1:18.691.

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has denied claims he wants to scrap practice sessions. Domenicali made headlines ahead of the Australian Grand Prix when he ...

Of course, there needs to be the time for practice. [Stream the biggest moments on NOW](https://www.nowtv.com/promo/sky-sports?dcmp=articlelink) [F1 Academy to race exclusively at Formula 1 weekends in 2024](https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12846027/f1-academy-all-female-racing-series-to-feature-exclusively-at-formula-1-weekends-in-2024) "It's not because we don't respect the traditions, we respect the old way of thinking of our weekend, but it would be wrong not to think about it." Domenicali says it would be "wrong" not to think about making changes to engage the growing audience. Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali denies practice could be dropped; F1 boss says practice here to stay but that it would be "wrong" not to consider changes; watch Australian GP Qualifying live on Sky Sports F1 at 6am on Saturday, build-up from 5.15am Stefano Domenicali says F1 practice sessions to stay but it would be 'wrong' not to consider changes

Red Bull's Max Verstappen took pole position for the Australian Grand Prix, the third round of the 2023 Formula 1 world championship. Charles Bradley.

[PlusPlusFormula 1 ](/f1/news/why-drivers-are-the-least-of-ferraris-f1-worries/10448581/) [PlusPlusFormula 1 ](/f1/news/ranking-the-top-10-pre-war-grand-prix-drivers/10447980/) [PlusPlusFormula 1 ](/f1/news/the-state-of-play-in-f1s-technical-silly-season/10449298/) [PlusPlusFormula 1 ](/f1/news/the-cycle-of-f1-upheaval-williams-must-end-to-rediscover-past-glories/10449257/) Alonso got to within 0.064s of that before Verstappen ran again and improved to 1m17.056s, ahead of Alonso and [Carlos Sainz](https://www.motorsport.com/driver/carlos-sainz/15916/) (Ferrari). [PlusPlusFormula 1Australian GP ](/f1/news/the-recent-australian-gp-form-history-that-will-boost-ferrari-in-f1-2023/10449455/) [PlusPlusFormula 1Australian GP ](/f1/news/why-piastris-f1-homecoming-will-be-a-landmark-occasion/10449570/) [PlusPlusFormula 1 ](/f1/news/how-f1s-new-era-has-exposed-the-downside-of-its-most-important-rule/10449931/) 1 [PlusPlusFormula 1Saudi Arabian GP ](/f1/news/whats-next-for-mercedes-in-the-quest-to-get-back-to-the-top-of-f1/10449981/) [F1 Formula 1Australian GP ](/f1/news/albon-mastery-of-f1s-tyre-dark-art-key-to-q3-surprise/10451434/) [F1 Formula 1Australian GP ](/f1/news/perez-explains-brake-problem-that-left-him-a-passenger-in-australian-gp-q1/10451443/)

Cool temperatures in Melbourne saw the drivers opt to take multiple laps on the same tyres throughout the session, but it was Max Verstappen who took pole ...

7 Charles Leclerc Ferrari + 0.637 6 Lance Stroll Aston Martin + 0.576 5 Carlos Sainz Ferrari + 0.538 4 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin + 0.407 3 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes + 0.372 2 George Russell Mercedes + 0.236

Max Verstappen expressed his satisfaction after navigating a low-grip qualifying session at the Albert Park Circuit to claim pole position at the Australian ...

“I did a long run in FP3, so I had a bit of a read on the tyres. “I guess it’s a good thing. I think that has been a bit the story again the whole week. Up until then it was just really tricky to find the grip and try to nail it on one lap. I don’t think it’s a straightforward race with the tyres, but I think what we have shown so far this year, I think the car is normally good in the race,” he summed up. Reflecting on his session and pole position effort, Verstappen said: “The last lap was pretty decent.

Rain started to fall towards the end of the session, meaning several drivers' final runs had to be curtailed. Check out full results from third practice at the ...

Check out full results from third practice at the 2023 Australian Grand Prix below. [Sergio Perez](/formula-1-drivers/sergio-perez) had a torrid session, suffering badly with brake and balance issues. [Australian](/formula-1-circuits/australian-gp) Grand Prix, ahead of [Fernando Alonso](/formula-1-drivers/fernando-alonso) and an impressive Esteban Ocon.

Formula One heads Down Under this week for a trip around Melbourne's Albert Park in the Australian Grand Prix.

If Red Bull are going to come unstuck anywhere, it is here. [Max Verstappen](/topic/max-verstappen) leads the world championship by a fine margin after recovering from a breakdown in qualifying to finish second, ahead of Fernando Alonso despite the Spaniard’s post-race penalty saga. Max Verstappen took pole position for Red Bull.

The results of Saturday's qualifying determined the starting grid for tomorrow's F1 race in Melbourne, Australia.

- Esteban Ocon, Alpine Quickly, Sergio Perez’s Saturday came to an end when a lockup took him into the gravel and his car out of qualifying. What started with a wet track after some weather earlier in the day cleared up nicely and created a great day of pushing for the best lap times for Sunday’s starting positions.

This imposing wooden structure was the visible symbol of a new global partnership that MotoGP rights holder Dorna has struck with fast-growing Spanish beer ...

[PlusPlusMotoGP ](/motogp/news/the-other-suzuki-signing-that-could-transform-hondas-motogp-form/10424581/) [PlusPlusMotoGP ](/motogp/news/the-signs-that-motogps-japanese-powerhouses-are-changing-for-the-better/10440747/) It is more difficult for us to manufacture, we only have one factory and we transfer that solidly to sport. [PlusPlusMotoGP ](/motogp/news/can-anyone-stop-changed-bagnaia-as-ducati-tightens-its-grip-on-motogp/10447342/) Now, in Spain, F1 is growing because we have two extraordinary drivers (Sainz and Alonso), who are fighting for podiums and are on top form". "My company should have fired me by now, since sponsoring motorsports made little sense when we started. "We s a company are very concerned about the positive impact. Although MotoGP is going through something of a transitional phase, Estrella Galicia was certain that it was the right time to back the series. "In terms of our brand today, we thought it was great opportunity. It even has a unique partnership around product placement in Netflix's smash hit original series 'Money Heist'. It is a natural step we have earned with this trajectory." CEO Ignacio Rivera was recently elected president of the Spanish Beer Industry, like his great-grandfather and founder of the company more than 100 years ago.

Max Verstappen will start from pole position after topping qualifying for the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix. Here's how and when you can watch the race.

[PlusPlusFormula 1 ](/f1/news/ranking-the-top-10-pre-war-grand-prix-drivers/10447980/) [PlusPlusFormula 1 ](/f1/news/the-state-of-play-in-f1s-technical-silly-season/10449298/) For the entire 2023 F1 season, Channel 4 will broadcast highlights of every qualifying and race of each event. [PlusPlusFormula 1 ](/f1/news/the-cycle-of-f1-upheaval-williams-must-end-to-rediscover-past-glories/10449257/) [PlusPlusFormula 1Australian GP ](/f1/news/the-recent-australian-gp-form-history-that-will-boost-ferrari-in-f1-2023/10449455/) Pre-race coverage will start at 4:30am BST on Sky Sports F1 and Sky Sports Main Event, ahead of the race start at 6:00am BST. In the United Kingdom, Channel 4 is broadcasting highlights of the Australian GP at 12:30pm BST on Sunday. [Carlos Sainz](https://www.autosport.com/driver/carlos-sainz/829244/), with the sister Aston Martin of [Lance Stroll](https://www.autosport.com/driver/lance-stroll/840484/) in sixth in front of [Charles Leclerc](https://www.autosport.com/driver/charles-leclerc/840485/). Current weather forecasts predict warm and dry conditions at Albert Park, with a gentle breeze and a very low chance of rain. [PlusPlusFormula 1Australian GP ](/f1/news/why-piastris-f1-homecoming-will-be-a-landmark-occasion/10449570/) Sky Sports can also be accessed through NOW with a one-off day payment of £11.98 or a month membership of £34.99 per month. Live streaming through NOW is also available in the UK.

F1 fans were able to recognise Sebastian Vettel from the throwback picture but had trouble working out who the other youngster was.

He has been taken on by Haas this season and will be hoping that the move to the team will help him bolster his chances of success. Vettel has been involved in motorsport since a very young, with a picture recently being shared of him celebrating a Kart Championship as a child. Vettel retired at the end of the 2022 season, concluding a career filled with success and records.

DRIVERS 1 – Max VERSTAPPEN (Red Bull Racing) 2 – George RUSSELL (Mercedes) 3 – Lewis HAMILTON (Mercedes) TRACK INTERVIEWS(Conducted by Naomi Schiff) Q: Max, ...

In the race normally, of course it all stabilises after one lap, and then it's not a problem but it definitely makes it a bit more tricky to get the most out of it in qualifying whereas some other tracks you at one point understand a bit what you have to do more or less on an out lap and then you nail it on one lap. LH: No, but I think, like you said, I think this gives everyone in the team a boost and a glimpse of hope and this will spur everyone on and will inspire everyone to continue to push. LH: I've not read them so I don't know what the rule is exactly, but I do think we constantly need to be evolving and assessing what we're doing. We know that if we can just bring a little bit of performance we can close the gap to the front. 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. Arriving to the track, having action every single day, also for fans in the crowd, I think just watching cars circulating in practice, I don't think it's as exciting as when you have a qualifying session like this or a Sprint race. You know, when you get those tyres in the sweet spot, you make a big jump, and I think even I improved four-tenths maybe on my last, my last run in Q3. We saw you behind the Haas, I think it was Hülkenberg, ahead of those final corners, ahead of your last run in Q3. But again, it's all about just having the tyres in the right window, and I guess they did a good job with that as well. Q: And Lewis, at one point in that session, you were top of the timesheets, probably doing a little rain dance at that moment. I think that has been a bit the story again the whole week. Up until then it was just really tricky to find the grip and to try to nail it on one lap.

Following the recent Formula One commission in Bahrain there has been a renewed push to create more competitive track sessions during a typical race weekend ...

I really enjoy the sprint races and having action on a Friday, I think, is vital for all of us and also for the entertainment factor.” “F1 is about getting the most out of it in qualifying and have an amazing Sunday over a long race distance. “With the cars that are in parc fermé – so, very limited possibility for the teams to react to any change. “I wasn’t in favour of the sprint races initially, but having done – how many have we done now? Currently a Sprint weekend sees the regular FP1 session on Friday followed by qualifying which determines the order for the Sprint start on Saturday afternoon. For 2023 this has been doubled to six Sprints and the first is next time out in Azerbaijan.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen will start the race from pole position ahead of Mercedes duo George Russell and Lewis Hamilton. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) ...

[PrimePrimeFormula 1 ](/f1/news/the-cycle-of-f1-upheaval-williams-must-end-to-rediscover-past-glories/10449522/) 1 The 2023 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix takes place this Sunday on April 02.

Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff has cautioned that the team shouldn't swing towards "exuberance" after a strong qualifying performance at the Australian GP.

But they are balancing the car on that razor's edge, and they were able to extract that today." "I think it was just a brilliant job done by the team here in extracting the maximum out of the car," he said. "And obviously it's not where we want to be. I think what you need to love in this sport is that with all the lows you have, you also have some highs. "So we have never had any dogma on what the car needs to look like. "This is exactly the swings that we must avoid," he said.