2022 - A Look Ahead

Vasseur: Alfa now in ‘different world’ compared to 2021.
After their 2021 struggles, Frederic Vasseur is encouraged to see Alfa Romeo compete in a “different world” in the upper midfield this year.
Date published: April 4 2022 - Henry Valantine

Given that Alfa Romeo finished second-last in the Constructors’ standings last year, only ahead of Haas, their team principal was glad to be disappointed to come away from Jeddah empty-handed, after Bottas also had to retire.

“We were less than a tenth off P5 in quali [in Saudi Arabia],” Vasseur told Motorsport.com. “It’s quite encouraging for the team, because after Bahrain on a different track we showed that the pace is there, and that we can be there on every single track, and this is good for us.”

“But then it’s a shame to not score big points in this situation. I think that for sure we are a bit disappointed because we are leaving with zero, but on the other hand one year ago, we were nowhere, we were out in Q1. But now it’s a different world.”

‘Different Alfa Romeo World’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/alfa-r...fferent-world/


Bottas aiming for prolonged fight with Mercedes
Date published: April 2 2022 - Jamie Woodhouse

Valtteri Bottas has set his sights on fighting Mercedes to establish Alfa Romeo as the ‘best of the rest’ in 2022.

“I think that should be the goal now, it looks like we’re more or less in the same place as in Bahrain, although I thought this [Jeddah] might be more difficult,” Bottas told Motorsport.com.

“I think that aspiring to be the best of the rest is a good motivation, and good goals. I hope that in the end we can fight for fifth place in the race, that would be a big step for us.”

‘Fighting For Fifth Place In Each Race’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/valtte...ercedes-fight/


Bottas wants year-long fight with Mercedes amid 'surprising' problems
Ben Issatt
04 April 2022

Valtteri Bottas hopes Alfa Romeo can maintain a year-long battle with Mercedes after being "surprised" by their early-season problems.

Few imagined the Finn would find himself racing against his former team given their very different positions on the grid last year, but the combination of a strong Alfa and an underperforming Mercedes has meant just that.

“I’m very happy with the decision I made, and also in general, so yes, I’m enjoying it," he said. "If we can keep improving the car, there’s no doubt that in the future we should be able to always fight for Q3 and top ten, that’s good to see.”

‘Improving The Car’;

https://www.insideracing.com/formula...ising-problems


Budget cap hardest on Alfa Romeo - Monchaux
By GMM F1

Formula 1's budget cap is harder on Swiss-based Alfa Romeo.

That is the view of the Sauber-run team's technical boss Jan Monchaux, who told motorsport-magazin.com: "Have you ever been to a restaurant in Switzerland? "The problem is that the budget cap does not currently compensate for the differences in the cost of living between countries."

Indeed, the vast bulk of the F1 teams are based in the UK, with Ferrari and Alpha Tauri operating out of Italy. Sauber, on the other hand, have operated from the Zurich Oberland region since its founding by Peter Sauber in the early 90s.

"But compared to a team that might be based in England or Italy with the same number of staff, we have a relatively big payroll problem. "In the end, that eats up 20 to 30 percent and a lot of potential that would otherwise be in the car. That's the price of being at home here."

"Have you ever been to a restaurant in Switzerland?”

https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/formula...7.html?newsnow


Valtteri Bottas opens up on lessons learned at Mercedes and Alfa Romeo expectations
By George Dagless
Published: 5 Apr 2022, 11:48

Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas has said that he learned a great deal during his time at Mercedes and that he is expecting a positive campaign with Alfa Romeo having got his first two races under his belt with the team. “Obviously, I’ve learned how a championship-winning team works and what kind of mindset it needs. I’ve learned a lot about teamwork. I’ve learned a lot of technical knowledge. I think I’ve also learned to deal with setbacks.”

“Sometimes, I put too much pressure on myself. I’ve had many ups and downs and learned how to bounce back. And I think it’s just made me a lot stronger person overall. I almost feel nothing can really shake me.”

“I’m expecting a positive season for us as a team, but that will require a lot of work. I think it’s going to be a very rewarding feeling once we get the results that we want. I think that reward, that feeling that comes out of it, those moments are going to be the highlights.”

‘Very Rewarding Feeling Once We Get The Results’;

https://www.givemesport.com/87992119...o-expectations

McLaren’s poor performance not just down to brake duct fix.
The compromises McLaren made to address its braking problem in pre-season testing are not the only cause of its uncompetitive start to the season, according to team principal Andreas Seidl.
2022 Australian Grand Prix
Posted on
6th April 2022, 7:186th April 2022, 7:21 | Written by Hazel Southwell and Claire Cottingham

McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl said the team’s focus would be on “understanding more the current strengths and weaknesses of the car” before this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix. “We need to see which improvements we can make already for Melbourne,” he added. “At the same time I don’t expect big miracles there, we simply need a bit more time.”

The braking problem the team encountered for the first time in Bahrain forced it to run an interim fix at the opening two races. “In the time available it was the only solution we could bring to the car which is definitely not optimal in terms of performance,” said Seidl.

However, he admitted the team has other problems to resolve on its MCL36. “We simply lack grip, which is the result of missing mechanical grip and aerodynamic load on the car, which was [clear] on the race weekend in Bahrain,” he said. “Definitely not just an issue of the current brake ducts we’re running.”

‘Grip, Mechanical Grip, Aerodynamic Load & Brake Ducts’;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/04/06/...rake-duct-fix/


Norris says McLaren have lost ‘a little bit of happiness’ after difficult start to season
05 April 2022

Lando Norris has conceded that moods have dipped at McLaren, who sit eighth in the championship ahead of this weekend’s 2022 Australian Grand Prix – but the squad are still motivated to push on and recover.

“You can't lie. If you have points and you have success and you have podiums, there's always a rise in morale… I think there’s expectations, of course, and... as racing people, we want to have success and do well.

“We're never going to be as happy [being] P16 compared to if we were P8 or P7 or whatever. So, there's always just a little bit of our happiness gone.”

‘A Little Happiness Lost’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...bxB9zHHdI.html


Ricciardo 'a big bundle of excitement' ahead of home race
Phillip van Osten
05/04/2022 at 10:48

The McLaren driver returned home to Perth last winter to spend some down time with his family and local friends. But racing on home soil is a "privilege" Ricciardo has solely missed these past few years.

"I'm excited to go home, definitely, it's been a while," said Ricciardo. "I've heard sales have been nuts and it's going to be an awesome atmosphere so I cannot wait. "It's personal to me because I am Aussie and it's a home one and that's a privilege, but every driver I speak to about Melbourne, they love it, they love it as an event.

"It’s exciting to go through the track changes as well this year, see what kind of racing that produces. So, just a big bundle of excitement."

‘Bundle Of Excitement’;

https://f1i.com/news/437258-ricciard...home-race.html


McLaren’s Andreas Seidl: “The team and I are excited to be back in Australia”
By Paul Hensby
April 5, 2022

Andreas Seidl says this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix will be a significant one as it will be Daniel Ricciardo’s first home race with the McLaren F1 Team, with the race back on the calendar after two years away following restrictions being in place due to COVID-19.

“The team and I are excited to be back in Australia after a few years, especially with the significance of it being Daniel’s first home race with McLaren,” said Seidl.

Seidl says the logistics of travelling to Australia from their Woking base has always posed challenges to McLaren, but they know they will be doing their best across the weekend, with an eye on scoring points with both Ricciardo and Lando Norris.

‘McLarens’ Australian Excitement’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...-in-australia/


Audi reportedly close to securing McLaren stake in huge deal
Audi are pushing on with a bid to secure a stake in the McLaren Formula 1 team, and have recently raised their offer, according to reports in the German media.
Yesterday, ‎08‎:‎40
Author Dieter Rencken
Co-author Mike Seymour

Volkswagen Group brands Audi and Porsche have both been heavily linked with Formula 1 in recent times, and the rumours have only gathered pace amid the sport's recently-introduced budget cap and planned engine formula for 2026.

Back in December, RacingNews365.com revealed a letter from Audi bosses to former FIA President Jean Todt and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, which stated that the brand was almost ready to commit to an entry.

Now, German automotive newspaper Automobilwoche reports that Audi are offering 650 million euros - up from 450m - to land an initial stake in McLaren's F1 outfit, before potentially investing in the wider brand.

‘McLaren Bid’;

https://racingnews365.com/audi-repor...e-in-huge-deal

Guenther Steiner Hoping for More Points at Haas’ Milestone 125th Grand Prix.
Steiner believes that the camp has a positive team dynamic and the new driver partnership is working well, with Magnussen able to use his previous experience in the sport to guide Schumacher, who is in his second season of Formula 1.
By Ashley Cline
April 5, 2022

Haas F1 Team Principal, Günther Steiner: “I think it’s realistic that we can aim for points in every race, at least for the first half of the season and then we will see if teams make big upgrades or if they gain a lot of pace. I’m optimistic that we can keep this form, we just have to try to score points with both cars.”

“First of all, yes, it was a rollercoaster and we’ve had a lot of downs on the rollercoaster ride over the six years but quite good ups as well. I’d say more than 50 percent of the people that were there at the first race are still with us, so that for me is an achievement. It’s been a very good ride, there’s been some challenges in the ride, but it’s been fantastic.”

‘Haas F1 Rollercoaster’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...th-grand-prix/


Haas adamant Schumacher’s confidence won’t be dented by Jeddah F1 crash
4th April 2022, 12:08
Hamilton Lyndon-Griffiths

Haas Formula 1 boss Gunther Steiner doesn’t expect Mick Schumacher’s confidence will be knocked after his high-speed qualifying crash in Saudi Arabia.

Approaching the fast chain of corners at Turns 10/11/12 on a flying lap, Schumacher lost control of his car before slamming into the concrete wall on the left-hand side of the track. The hefty impact caused severe damage to his Haas F1 car and, after being taken to hospital for precautionary checks, Schumacher was found to have suffered no injuries.

“I don’t think that he’ll lose confidence,” Steiner said, as quoted by Motorsport.com. “Obviously now the target is set a little bit higher than last year. Last year there was no question at all, we contended to be 19th and 20th. Because that was where we were – consistently, by the way.

‘Confidence Won’t Be Dented’;

https://readmotorsport.com/2022/04/0...ddah-f1-crash/


Haas hampered by limited testing - Steiner
Sam Hall & Ian Parkes
Tuesday 5 April 2022 13:35

Guenther Steiner has warned there is 'more to come' from Haas with the team's performance limited at the opening races through a lack of testing. Haas has enjoyed a strong start to the current F1 season with Kevin Magnussen scoring points in each of the first two races with finishes of fifth and ninth in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Despite its pace, the VF-22 has suffered from poor reliability and team principal Steiner warned if the team can get on top of these issues and spend more time on track in free practice, results could improve further. "The biggest improvement will be the set-up because we haven't done enough testing," explained Steiner.

"There are still things to come. It's not that we have a bad set-up but I think there is still more in the car. If we had more time to work, it's not that the guys don't understand, it's just that we need to learn about it because in testing we did about half the mileage of the big teams, and in Saudi Arabia, with Kevin, we did three timed laps," Steiner added.

‘More In The Haas Car’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/79...sting-steiner/


Haas to think carefully about ‘over-rated’ upgrades
Date published: April 3 2022 - Jamie Woodhouse

Haas boss Guenther Steiner is keen to make sure any upgrades introduced by the team this season will be worthwhile.

“We will bring upgrades as well. People like to bring upgrades but if you bring upgrades, [they may be worth only] one, two, three points,” said Steiner, quoted by GPFans. “And if you bring upgraded parts, what does it actually do? That’s important for me.”

“If you ask an aerodynamicist at every grand prix they will bring a million dollars’ worth of upgrades for one point, so that needs to be managed under the budget cap more than anything else. With upgrades, I’m not saying nobody brings bad ones but they are a little bit over-rated.”

‘Over-Rated Upgrades’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/haas-2...rade-strategy/


Steiner: K-Mag ‘realised what he lost’ in year away from F1
Date published: April 2 2022 - Henry Valantine

Now he has returned to Formula 1, Guenther Steiner thinks Kevin Magnussen has matured and realised what he missed out on in his year away.

Steiner said it was good for him to have kept racing last year, and his time away from the top tier has left him more rounded as a result. “Yes, of course it hasn’t hurt him,” Steiner said of Magnussen’s IndyCar and sports car racing last year, quoted by Formula1.com.

“Obviously, he matured, he was out of Formula 1 and when you are out of Formula 1 you just realise what you lost and making it back in is like something… which I think he didn’t expect to do.

‘More Rounded As A Result’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/kevin-...a-1-year-away/


Steiner asks ‘Tom the expert’ why Haas can’t maintain form
Date published: April 1 2022 - Jamie Woodhouse

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner turned the tables when the interviewer asked him how long the team can maintain their current form.

When F1 journalist Tom Clarkson asked Steiner how long Haas believe they can keep this run going, Steiner responded: “Why should it stop? Now I’m asking you, Tom the expert.
“Why you think we cannot keep it going?”

But to answer the question, Steiner is confident Haas can continue to compete in the midfield, citing the budget cap he feels has made it possible for teams to keep themselves in the conversation for points. “But I think we can keep going where we are now,” Steiner continued.

‘Keep Going’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/guenth...k-haas-doubts/

Williams’ Dave Robson: “So pleased to be back” racing in Australia.
Williams Racing’s Head of Vehicle Performance, Dave Robson, is delighted to see the Australian Grand Prix back this weekend, for the first-time in two years due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.
By Nick Golding
April 5, 2022

After a highly disappointing Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where both Alex Albon and Nicholas Latifi retired, Robson is very happy to be heading back to Australia this weekend. Formula 1 isn’t returning though to the usual Albert Park Circuit layout, drastic changes have been made to the layout for this weekend, in the hope that overtaking is easier. This clearly wasn’t enough, as this weekend will see a whopping four DRS zones around the Albert Park Circuit.

Williams endured a horrific weekend at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit and a repeat simply can’t happen for the British team, Robson is hoping that it will be a cleaner weekend for the side.

“Following our difficult weekend in Jeddah, we are looking forward to a clean event here as we look to extract a little more potential from the FW44. The challenges here are different to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia and so we will be open-minded and pragmatic with our approach.”

‘Four DRS Zones’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...-in-australia/


Williams: Tyres mean 'crucial' set-up compromise for Aussie GP
Phillip van Osten
05/04/2022 at 17:23

Williams head of vehicle performance Dave Robson says Pirelli's decision to skip a step in its compound selection for Melbourne implies a crucial set-up compromise for race day. Pirelli as opted to experiment at next weekend's Australian Grand Prix by nominating its C2 and C3 rubber but skipping its C4 and assigning instead its soft C5 compound to teams.

The tyre supplier's unusual range coupled with Albert Park's track revisions means that teams will be facing a few interesting challenges next weekend upon their return to Melbourne after a three-year hiatus.

Dave Robson : "Adding to the complexity of the weekend is a courageous compound choice from Pirelli, with the C2 and C3 compounds being the Prime and Option as they were in Jeddah, but C5 being the Qualifying compound here in Melbourne.”

‘Set-Up Compromise’;

https://f1i.com/news/437287-williams...-for-race.html


“The new track changes look promising” -Nicholas Latifi
By Nick Golding
April 5, 2022

After a bitterly disappointing Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Nicholas Latifi and Alex Albon are both looking forward to the returning Australian Grand Prix, at the Albert Park Circuit.

Latifi endured a terrible weekend in Saudi Arabia, which ultimately ended with him in the wall at the final corner during the race. The Williams Racing driver will be hoping for considerably better luck this weekend, as the Canadian sets his eyes on his first-ever Australian Grand Prix.

Nicholas Latifi: “I’m really excited to get my first taste of racing at Albert Park. I’ve not yet driven there with Formula One, although I did get to explore the venue in 2020 and I thought Melbourne was an incredible place. The circuit itself looks really fun, so to experience the whole event will be great. The new track changes look promising; I really hope it’ll improve the racing so we’re able to put on an exciting Grand Prix for the fans after they’ve waited for so long.”

‘First Taste, Track Looks Promising’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...cholas-latifi/


Williams is ‘actually a good car’ in the ‘right window’
Date published: March 31 2022 - Henry Valantine

Alex Albon believes if the FW44 is in a set-up sweet spot, Williams can be competitive in qualifying and races this season. Albon pinpointed the main issue of his car as being the lack of downforce available to him while driving, but he has managed to outperform Nicholas Latifi in the sister car through the year so far, making the most of what he has.

But despite Williams’ backmarking pace, the former Red Bull man thinks there is a particular place in which the FW44 can operate where it can be more competitive – but he added the caveat that the team need to find this set-up on a regular basis if they are to move forward.

“We lacked downforce,” said Albon. “The balance of the car can be tricky, but in the right window it’s actually a good car. “We were pretty quick at the end of the race, we just need to try and make the car more consistent and predictable.”

‘Finding the FW44 right window Set-Up Sweet Spot’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/alex-a...rmance-window/


Williams’ Dave Robson: “A very frustrating end to three weeks away from home”
By Paul Hensby
April 2, 2022

Dave Robson, the Head of Vehicle Performance at Williams Racing, admits the opening two races of the 2022 Formula 1 season have been frustrating for the team.

“A very frustrating end to three weeks away from home for the team,” said Robson. “We completed a one-stop race with Alex using the preferred hard tyre for most of the race. Alex did well to manage his tyres during a long stint and through several safety car periods. There was a lot of attrition at this event, which we were expecting, and Alex was nearly able to benefit.”

“He was able to race with Stroll and attack him on several occasions into Turn 1, but unfortunately in racing for eleventh, there was contact, resulting in a front right puncture for Alex and the end of his race.”

‘Frustrating’;

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2...way-from-home/


Mansell selling Williams that Senna hitched a ride on
Date published: March 30 2022 - Jamie Woodhouse

Nigel Mansell is selling his famous Williams FW14 which served as a race winner for himself and a taxi for Ayrton Senna. It was back at the 1991 British Grand Prix that Mansell and Senna provided us with one of the all-time classic scenes in Formula 1.

Mansell was dominant on home soil in the Williams FW14, taking pole, leading every lap, winning the race and claiming the fastest lap. Senna meanwhile would run out of fuel in his McLaren on the final lap, leaving him to be classified P4.

But rather than Senna setting off on a trek back to the McLaren garage, Mansell was on-hand to give him a lift as on his victory lap, Mansell stopped to allow Senna to hitch a ride on his FW14 back to the pits.

‘Williams FW14’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/nigel-...williams-fw14/


BEYOND THE GRID: Mansell on battling Senna, overcoming adversity, and why his 1992 title win left him 'empty'
06 April 2022

The inimitable 1992 Formula 1 world champion Nigel Mansell is the guest on the latest Beyond The Grid podcast episode – and the former Williams and Ferrari driver recalls his success 30 years after his title triumph...

Mansell won his first and only F1 title at the age of 39 – making him the oldest driver to do so since Graham Hill in 1968. The Briton had spent years hunting for that elusive achievement and sealed it at the 1992 Hungarian Grand Prix. But how did it feel?

Thirty years later, he recalls: "Disbelief. 'Is it really true? Have we really done it?' Emptiness. Shock. It’s the flash of adrenaline where everything stands still. When something means so much to you, and you think you’ve actually done it and achieved it, and you’ve spent 40 years of your life attaining that – basically what happens, I think your brain upsurges to the point that your brain fuses. So when it fuses, there’s emptiness – because you can’t compute anything!"

‘Nigel Computing Emptiness’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...5wZ4RTku8.html

Why Jackie Stewart thinks the Australian Grand Prix is ‘one of the great’ F1 races
Former F1 world champion Sir Jackie Stewart says it’s “really one of the great grand prix”.
7/4/2022, 03:17
Tom Elliott

Jackie Stewart: “I think the spirit of Melbourne is very high on the Grand Prix,” he said.
“There’s enormous enthusiasm. Of course you’ve had some great Australian Grand Prix drivers.”
Press PLAY below to hear why Sir Jackie Stewart holds the Melbourne Grand Prix in such high esteem

‘Australian GP Great’;

https://www.3aw.com.au/why-jackie-st...reat-f1-races/


George Russell and Toto Wolff issue Mercedes warning ahead of Australian Grand Prix
Callum McAvoyWednesday 6 Apr 2022 5:22 pm

Speaking in Mercedes’ Australia GP preview, the Austrian said: ‘At the moment, our track performance is not meeting our own expectations, but everyone at Brackley and Brixworth is focused on understanding the problems and finding the right solutions.

“Lewis and George are making an important contribution to the overall effort, providing feedback, spending time in the simulator and working together to help push us forward.”

“While there may be no ‘magic fix’, it is imperative for the team that they solve their key issue as soon as possible, as Russell points out.”

‘Mercedes Warning’;

https://metro.co.uk/2022/04/06/f1-ge...o=newsnow-feed


Will Mercedes' fortunes improve? F1 Australian GP talking points
F1
Connor McDonagh
7 Apr 2022

Mercedes upgrades on the way? Mercedes was expected to introduce its first significant upgrade of the season for F1’s return to Melbourne with the arrival of an all-new rear wing to reduce drag and potentially a newly-designed floor, though it appears to still have the same rear wing it had in Jeddah.

The update, which may not arrive until Imola or Miami, are aimed at combating its porpoising issues. The phenomenon has been at the heart of the W13’s problems so far in 2022, forcing Mercedes to run a compromised setup in a bid to reduce the bouncing effect.

Speaking ahead of the weekend, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said: "At the moment, our track performance is not meeting our own expectations, but everyone at Brackley and Brixworth is focused on understanding the problems and finding the right solutions.”

‘Late nights at Brackley and Brixworth!’;

https://www.crash.net/f1/feature/100...talking-points


'We still have plenty to learn': Toto Wolff predicts more Mercedes misery in Sunday's Australian Grand Prix as team boss admits they don't have a 'magic fix' heading into their third outing of the campaign.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff admits their poor start could continue in Melbourne
By Oliver Salt For Mailonline
Published: 15:30, 6 April 2022

Russell is one place above his Mercedes team-mate on 22 points, sitting behind Carlos Sainz Jr and Max Verstappen, and Wolff insists their sights are set on bridging the gap and moving closer to the top of the standings. 'We are in a learning race and the first two weekends have shown we still have plenty to learn,' he told Mercedes' official website.

“At the moment, our track performance is not meeting our own expectations, but everyone at Brackley and Brixworth is focused on understanding the problems and finding the right solutions. There won't be a magic fix for the next race weekend, but we're pushing to steadily bring gains over the upcoming races, to hopefully move us closer to the front of the pack.”

“Until then, we need to maximise each opportunity and make the most of the package we have.”

‘Mercedes Misery’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...magic-fix.html


Marko: If Mercedes control porpoising, they are back
Date published: April 5 2022 - Jamie Woodhouse

Red Bull’s Helmut Marko does not believe the Mercedes era is over yet, backing them to fight back if they can control their ‘porpoising’.

Speaking in an interview with Formel1.de’s YouTube channel, when asked if this was the end of the Mercedes era like Red Bull endured after 2013, Marko said: “You have to distinguish between the two cases. The post-2013 era coincided with the new engine rules and Mercedes had incredible dominance at that stage. They were up to two seconds ahead of everyone, but logically they didn’t show it.”

“Now, with the change of chassis and engine, the differences are not so big. Mercedes can no longer click and suddenly it’s a party for them. But the team are very well positioned and also have some really important people in the chassis area.

‘Mercedes can no longer click and suddenly it’s a party for them’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/helmut...ll-contenders/


Tech Draft: The Grand Prix in Adelaide always special for me
Mark Kay
7 April, 2022

With Formula 1 being in Australia this weekend, I thought of writing a different Tech Draft, about the sport’s history in my country that shaped my career, and how the Adelaide Grand Prix will always be special to me.

The first Australian Grand Prix (AGP) was contested on the Phillip Island road circuit in 1928 and the event has been held every year since then, with the exception of 1936, and the period 1940-1946 inclusive. Over the years the AGP has been held at 23 different venues in various guises of stand-alone events and as part of national and regional championships and series, such as the memorable Tasman Series of the 1960s and 1970s which attracted many F1 teams of the day to travel all the way down under.

However, it wasn’t until 1985 that the Australian Grand Prix became a proper FIA sanctioned Grand Prix when it was the final round of that year’s Formula 1 World Championship held on the most memorable Adelaide Parklands street circuit. The AGP has remained a fixture on the F1 yearly calendar ever since with the exception of the 2020 and 2021 events being cancelled due to the COVID pandemic, and in 1996 it was held at the Albert Park street circuit in Melbourne for the first time, where it has remained ever since.

‘Aussie Memories’;

https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/04...pecial-for-me/


Verstappen: I’m there to race, not entertain crowds
Reuters
7 April, 2022

Max Verstappen is not willing to do more events on weekends, but would rather just race and entertain the crowds that way, instead of taking part in off track activities. The Formula 1 World Champion said he will try to keep his off-track commitments in check and focus on his day job as a racer, wary that his Title defense might suffer with too many distractions.

Verstappen said he felt sympathy for McLaren’s Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo, having seen him battle through busy schedules at his home Grand Prix when they were Red Bull team mates. “I always felt sorry for him because he was always so busy,” said Verstappen.

“He actually never really got to fully enjoy it. Maybe he manages it differently now but I remember when he was here it was tough, he was super busy in the week leading up to the Grand Prix. “So I hope for him that at least he can enjoy it a bit more now because I think it is very special to have a home Grand Prix,” he said.

‘Felt Sorry For Daniel Ricciardo”;

https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/04...ertain-crowds/


Pirelli explains thinking behind ‘step’ in Melbourne tyre compound choice
2022 Australian Grand Prix
Posted on
7th April 2022, 6:137th April 2022, 4:54 | Written by Hazel Southwell and Claire Cottingham

Pirelli has made a departure from its recent tyre selection approach this weekend in the hope of creating more varied strategies at the Australian Grand Prix. In recent years Formula 1’s official tyre supplier has invariably selected consecutive compounds for each race. However it has brought the C2, C3 and C5 rubber to Melbourne, skipping the C4, which was the softest tyre used at the last round in Jeddah.

In recent years Formula 1’s official tyre supplier has invariably selected consecutive compounds for each race. However it has brought the C2, C3 and C5 rubber to Melbourne, skipping the C4, which was the softest tyre used at the last round in Jeddah. Pirelli’s head of motorsport Mario Isola said the manufacturer wanted to create a larger gap in performance between the medium and soft compound tyres.

“During our tyre test we found that the delta lap time between the C3 and the C4 was quite small,” Isola explained. Pirelli expected between 0.4 and 0.5 seconds difference per lap between the two around Jeddah’s 6.174-kilometre track. Around the shorter Albert Park course, Isola said Pirelli expect the difference to be “less than 0.3” of a second. “So we decided to jump one level, that is always possible, and bring to Melbourne C2, C3 and C5,” he said.

‘Tyre Compound Decisions’;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/04/07/...mpound-choice/

Lewis Hamilton's hopes of Australian Grand Prix win rubbished by Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has rubbished any suggestions that Lewis Hamilton can win the Australian Grand Prix this weekend. The Silver Arrows ace has fallen well short in the first two races of the season following a winter of F1 regulation changes and car upgrades.
By TOM PARSONS
14:18, Wed, Apr 6, 2022

Mercedes have failed to redesign their 2022 car in a way which keeps them competitive - and their struggles have been clear to see in the early stages of the new season. At the opener in Bahrain, Hamilton finished third - but only after Red Bull duo Verstappen and Sergio Perez were forced to retire due to power failure. And in Saudi Arabia, Hamilton suffered the ignominy of finishing 10th.

But, despite his team’s woes, Wolff insists he’s looking forward to the first Australian Grand Prix since 2019. “Now we head back to Melbourne for the first time since 2020 and will be racing in Australia for the first time in three years - that's too long for a city and country that are so passionate about F1,” Wolff added.

“We're looking forward to seeing the fans and the new track layout which promises more overtaking opportunities and faster lap times.”

‘Australian Win Rubbished’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...d-Bull-Ferrari


Lewis Hamilton braced for more misery in Melbourne as Mercedes rule out upgrades
07/04/2022, 12:12
Philip Duncan

Hamilton has already been cast 29 points adrift in the championship race

Lewis Hamilton is braced for more misery in Melbourne after his Mercedes team ruled out any major upgrades for this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix.

Hamilton has already been cast 29 points adrift in the championship race after he finished only 10th at the second round in Saudi Arabia a fortnight ago…

‘Upgrades Ruled Out’;

https://www.independent.co.uk/f1/lew...-b2052760.html


Lewis Hamilton warned of 'vicious cycle' Mercedes are battling to overcome this season
By STUART BALLARD
11:01, Thu, Apr 7, 2022

Mercedes have a "huge problem" to fix with Emerson Fittipaldi warning Lewis Hamilton just how much work needs to be done to catch Red Bull and Ferrari. Ahead of pre-season testing, Mercedes were the team to beat having just clinched their eighth consecutive Constructors' Championship.

The cars will take to the track on Friday where Mercedes will hope to see some improvements. But Fittipaldi has warned Hamilton that Mercedes are currently in a "vicious cycle" which they're struggling to get out of. "Mercedes engines are down. They suffered a lot of performance in the first two Grands Prix," he told VegasInsider. "We know all the Mercedes teams are having a difficult time.

“Lewis Hamilton had a great race in Bahrain where he got the podium. With that car, Lewis should not be on the podium. They are struggling. The speed on the stretch is much lower. When you have less power from the engine, you sacrifice the aerodynamics. And then it’s a compromise of handling, as well.

‘‘Vicious Mercedes Cycle’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...ian-Grand-Prix


THIS IS HOW MERCEDES EXPERTS ARE HELPING RED BULL
07/04/2022, 07:30
Catherine Micallef

Red Bull are currently in process of finalising their new engine factory, Red Bull Powertrains, which is rumoured to work with Porsche. This is after the German car manufacturer seeks to return to Formula One in 2026, the year new engine rules come into place.

Honda is still in the picture for Red Bull and in an interview with Formel1.de, Helmut Marko spoke about the project and its employees. “In parallel to this, of course, we need to set up our own production line. Our advantage is that we have a very versatile team. People from Honda have been hired to work on our project, some of the Red Bull staff have been displaced, and experts from Mercedes have been hired.”

The interviewer asked whether about 50 people were hired and Marko replied, “Actually the number is close to that, yes.” This came after Marko discussed Mercedes’ poor form during the first few stages of the season. He said, “I don’t have detailed knowledge of the situation at Mercedes, but those problems must have something to do with the new fuel.”

‘Red Bull Powertrains’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/re...arko-mercedes/


Lewis Hamilton faces extending long barren run at Australian GP as Mercedes low on hope
MELBOURNE has not traditionally been a happy hunting ground for F1 star Lewis Hamilton.
By CHARLIE GORDON
05:20, Thu, Apr 7, 2022

Lewis Hamilton may be helpless on his pursuit to end a barren run in Australia which has seen him fail to win the race for seven years. All voices coming out of the Mercedes camp suggest that the issues which blighted their weekend in Saudi Arabia are not going away any time soon, which threatens to leave them off the pace once again.

That will come as painful news for the 37-year-old in particular, given that he has failed to win in Australia since 2015. In terms of the current F1 calendar it is therefore Hamilton's standout bogey track, boasting a longer streak without him winning than any other.

‘Bogey Track’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...rcedes-f1-news

FP1: Sainz leads Ferrari team mate Leclerc in opening Australian Grand Prix practice session
Ferrari kicked off their weekend in style as Carlos Sainz set the pace in first practice for the returning Australian Grand Prix, with team mate Charles Leclerc slotting into second.
08 April 2022

The Spaniard clocked a 1m 19.806s on Pirelli’s softest tyre – the C5 – with Leclerc 0.571s adrift, the championship leader having run into the gravel on his out-lap and then backing out of his second attempt.

Red Bull’s Sergio Perez – who caused one of two red flags when he lost a piece of bodywork – was third with a late quick lap on the soft, a couple of tenths ahead of team mate Max Verstappen, though the reigning champion set his quickest lap much earlier in the session.

McLaren showed a surprising turn of pace, after a challenging start to the season as they battle to get on top of a front axle issue, with Lando Norris in fifth and home favourite Daniel Ricciardo eighth.

‘Stylish Ferrari ‘Kick Off’!’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...Ua991cksl.html


Lewis Hamilton finishes only SEVENTH in first practice for the Australian Grand Prix as Ferrari duo Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc claim a one-two ahead of Red Bull in Melbourne
By Philip Duncan, Press Association
Published: 06:47, 8 April 2022

• Mercedes were once again well off the pace at the Australian Grand Prix
• Lewis Hamilton finished seventh in first practice, 1.2 seconds off the pace
• His team-mate George Russell was 12th as Melbourne weekend got underway
• Ferrari set the early pace with Carlos Sainz ahead of Charles Leclerc
• Red Bull duo Sergio Perez and reigning champion Max Verstappen were next

‘FP1, Lewis Hamilton 7th’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...-set-pace.html


Russell demands "too tough" Australian GP calendar change
Ian Parkes
Friday 8 April 2022 07:00

George Russell has called for more thought to be placed on next year's F1 calendar after declaring it "too tough" on everyone in the sport that the Australian Grand Prix is a standalone event.

There is a significant buzz about F1's return to the country that has been devoid of a race since 2019 after two cancellations due to the coronavirus pandemic, with an Australian sporting record crowd of over 400,000 expected over the three days.

"But having Melbourne in between races, especially as a standalone, is too tough for the teams and everybody. People came out on the Saturdays and Sundays to get acclimatised to the conditions, to the time zone change, and [now] it's just too much. It needs to be thought about more. There's no reason why we couldn't do a back to back with one of the Middle Eastern races.”

‘Tough’;

https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/79...lendar-change/


Albert Park track changes will play into Red Bull’s hands, Leclerc predicts
2022 Australian Grand Prix
Posted on
8th April 2022, 7:05 | Written by Keith Collantine

Charles Leclerc believes the changes to the Albert Park for this year’s Australian Grand Prix will suit rivals Red Bull. The changes were made to create more overtaking opportunities at a track where passing has often been difficult. Leclerc suspects they will make a difference, but expects Red Bull will benefit from the alterations.

“Probably for our car I would have preferred to stay with the old layout, but that’s only from a performance point of view,” he said. “But I think for overtaking it will definitely be better. How much better is still yet to see. But it looks interesting. Turn six, seven will be quite challenging for us now. Nine, 10 we will arrive at much higher speed. So it should be it should be an exciting track.”

‘Red Bull’s Hands’;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/04/08/...lerc-predicts/


Drivers fear for F1's heritage despite 'awesome' Vegas race
Issued on: 08/04/2022 - 08:04

Melbourne (AFP) – Drivers enthusiastically welcomed on Friday Las Vegas hosting a night-time Formula 1 grand prix, but voiced concern that traditional races in Europe could pay the price as the sport expands in new directions. Racing returns to 'Sin City' next year for the first time since 1982, becoming the third grand prix in the United States alongside Miami and Austin.

It is part of a concerted effort by the sport's US bosses to attract a new, younger audience, rather than relying on a traditional, ageing fanbase.

But they also said it was important to remember Formula One's history and tradition. France, Belgium and even Monaco are all seen as vulnerable races.

‘Sin City Grand Prix’;

https://www.france24.com/en/live-new...ome-vegas-race

FP2: Leclerc leads Verstappen in second Australian GP practice session.
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc set the fastest time in FP2 ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Scuderia team mate Carlos Sainz on Friday at the Australian Grand Prix.
08 April 2022

Verstappen jumped to second with under 20 minutes left, his opening soft-tyred runs compromised by traffic, then a lock-up in Sector 3 before the Dutchman finally managed a more representative lap on worn tyres to finish 0.245s off Leclerc – and drop Sainz to third.

Alpine's Fernando Alonso put in a blistering lap to take P4 at Sergio Perez's expense, while Alonso's team mate Esteban Ocon was sixth – but three-tenths down on the two-time champion.

‘FP2 Results’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...iCvJFHCds.html


Australian GP: Leclerc quickest, Alpine impress in Practice 2
08 April 2022
Ben Issatt

Charles Leclerc ensured Ferrari completed a Friday double as he led second practice at the Australian Grand Prix. The Monegasque would be the only driver to go sub-1m19s around the revised Albert Park as the drivers completed intriguing soft tyre runs mid-session.

Max Verstappen prevented another Scuderia 1-2 in second for Red Bull, but it was a tricky hour for the Dutchman who needed multiple attempts to get a clean lap.

As has been the trait in the opening races, the top two teams are achieving their lap times in different ways with Ferrari holding an advantage in the corners while Red Bull are flying on the straights.

‘‘Fernando Alonso EL PLAN 4th’;

https://www.insideracing.com/formula...-in-practice-2


Leclerc quickest from Verstappen in second Australian practice
2022 Australian Grand Prix second practice
Posted on
8th April 2022, 8:16 | Written by Will Wood

Charles Leclerc set the overall pace in the afternoon practice session ahead of Max Verstappen at the end of the first day of F1 running for the Australian Grand Prix.

Leclerc’s quickest time of a 1’18.978 saw him go a quarter of a second faster than Max Verstappen’s best lap time in the Red Bull. Carlos Sainz Jnr was third fastest in the second Ferrari, with Fernando Alonso fourth for Alpine. The clouds had drifted over the Albert Park circuit between the end of first practice and the start of the afternoon session. Teams took to the track on the medium tyres for some early data in the slightly cooler afternoon conditions.

With 12 minutes remaining, the session was red-flagged after the front left wheel faring on Stroll’s Aston Martin broke off the car as Stroll rounded turn 12, falling onto the racing line. The debris was recovered and the session quickly resumed. Having had his first practice session cut short with a power unit problem, Sebastian Vettel was unable to take to the track at all in the afternoon.

‘Wheel faring and Power Unit problems’;

https://www.racefans.net/2022/04/08/...lian-practice/


All you need to know about Australian GP F1 practice two
08/04/2022, 08:28
By Josh Suttill

Key moments
• Leclerc fastest ahead of Verstappen…
• …but Verstappen has to back out of faster lap
• Alonso an impressive fourth
• Mercedes duo both outside of top 10

George Russell was the fastest Mercedes driver in 11th place. His team-mate Lewis Hamilton was only 13th. The duo were once again experimenting with set-up in the early part of the session, leading to a high level of porpoising and a loose rear of the W13, for Russell in particular before changes were made.

Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel, who missed the first two races of the 2022 season, continued to suffer a nightmare Friday as his team was unable to change his power unit in time for him to get back on track following the issue that caused him to stop on track in FP1.

‘Mercedes Experimenting’;

https://the-race.com/formula-1/all-y...-practice-two/


Australian Grand Prix: Ferrari strong again as Alpine impress in Friday practice
By George Dagless
Published: 8 Apr 2022, 08:21

Ferrari once again looked strong in Friday free practice for the Australian Grand Prix this weekend, as Carlos Sainz and then Charles Leclerc topped the time-sheets in the two sessions at Albert Park.

The Scuderia have been a leading light so far this season with the performances they have shown, and it is they and Red Bull that look to have got the regulations nailed down most of all.

An interesting couple of sessions, then, and whilst Ferrari and Red Bull once again look good, could we see Alpine being the third-fastest? Or even mixing it for the front two rows on Saturday? Time will tell…

‘Alpine Impress’;

https://www.givemesport.com/87993181...riday-practice


2022 F1 Australian Grand Prix – Free Practice 2 results
08/04/2022, ‎08‎:‎01
Author RacingNews365 Staff

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc led Red Bull's Max Verstappen during second practice in Australia. Check out the full results from FP2 at Albert Park below.

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc topped the timesheets in Friday's second practice session for the Australian Grand Prix, edging out Red Bull rival Max Verstappen.

Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez followed their teammates in third and fifth respectively, with the Alpine of Fernando Alonso slotting between them.

‘FP2: Full Results’;

https://racingnews365.com/2022-f1-au...tice-2-results

Alpine: In good shape to get both cars into Q3, more to come.
While TV pundits argued that Alonso may have been in qualifying mode, or using low fuel, no matter what he was only half a second shy of the top time with Esteban Ocon a quarter second down on his teammate in sixth, suggesting there is pace in those Blue & Pink cars.
Paul Velasco
8 April, 2022

Fernando Alonso made no mention of claiming the fourth-fastest time in FP2 for the Australian Grand Prix, the Alpine veteran clearly has a solid package for the weekend in Melbourne, but team boss Otmar Szafnauer expects both his cars to make Q3 on Saturday.

Alonso made little of the surprising pace they found today: “We had some minor things that delayed us a little in Free Practice 1, but we still managed a pretty normal day for us. We completed a good amount of running and got a lot of information from both sessions. There are some balance issues that we need to solve, especially on the higher fuel runs.”

“I obviously saw the track yesterday, but I think the changes are positive and the lap is obviously much quicker now. I’m not sure if there will be more overtaking on Sunday, but let’s see.”

‘FP2, Alpine F1 4th Fastest, Pretty Normal Day!’;

https://www.grandprix247.com/2022/04...melbourne-fp2/


Esteban Ocon feeling upbeat as Alpine look strong in Australia practice
By George Dagless
Published: 8 Apr 2022, 12:30

Alpine driver Esteban Ocon could not deny that things are looking in good shape for him and his team ahead of the Australian Grand Prix this weekend. Speaking to F1, Ocon said: “It’s been pretty decent, obviously both cars are in the top ten for both sessions and we’ve discovered a lot on this track… [there are] some great challenges with some great fast corners and we look pretty okay at the moment but it is only Friday.”

“I think so, we tried a few things between the cars to optimise the aero platform through there and it seems to have worked but tomorrow is when we need to put it together and release the power.”

An intriguing session on Saturday awaits, then, and though you’d probably not expect to see an Alpine on pole for Sunday’s race just yet, it is clear that they are making good progress with their A522.

‘El PLAN: Pole’;

https://www.givemesport.com/87993335...ralia-practice


Alpine 'reasonably pleased' with strong Friday form
Andrew Lewin
08/04/2022 at 11:21

The Alpine team declared itself 'reasonably pleased' with their performance in friday's free practice sessions for the Australian GP, with Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon finishing in the top ten in both FP1 and FP2.

Sporting director Alan Permane: "In terms of our performance today, we can be reasonably pleased with the cars in both practice sessions. There’s still work to do, especially in extracting the most from the soft tyre on the first timed lap for qualifying.”

"We ran the medium and hard tyres with high fuel to assess race performance and this looked in line with our simulations. Overtaking will be difficult on Sunday so it’s essential to extract the maximum from all elements in qualifying.”

‘Reasonably Pleased’;

https://f1i.com/news/437655-alpine-r...iday-form.html


Alpine drivers braced for tight battle for Q3 spots despite strong Friday in Melbourne
08 April 2022

An encouraging turn of pace from Alpine in FP2 was met with cautious optimism from the two drivers, who expect qualifying to play a crucial part to their hopes in Melbourne.

“It’s been pretty decent, obviously both cars in the top 10 for both sessions,” Ocon said. “A lot of things discovered today on this track, some good surprises with the level of grip being much higher than before, the track being quite a lot smoother as well. Some great challenges with some great fast corners. We look pretty okay at the moment, but as you know I’m going to tell you, it’s only Friday.”

Despite the strong showing in terms of headline lap times, Ocon expects plenty of challengers to Alpine in the fight for best-of-the-rest behind Ferrari and Red Bull.

‘Plenty Of Challengers’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...nTz4FQ4q9.html


Fernando Alonso issues warning to F1 CEO and Liberty Media
Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has recently suggested that the calendar could eventually consist of 30 races.
by Rob Kershaw
8 April 20228 April 2022

Fernando Alonso has warned Formula 1 that it needs to be careful not to overwork the teams as they mull adding more races to the calendar.

The teams are all based in Europe, and the constant travelling and unsocial hours naturally takes its toll on team members financially and mentally. Alonso has called for caution on the amount of strain F1 management place on the paddock workers.

“We need to be careful on the number of races. We should be on a limit, because for the teams it’s quite demanding, how the schedule and the calendar is now, especially we don’t have so many races in Europe anymore,” he said, as quoted by Autosport.

‘Overworking the Teams’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/fernando-...liberty-media/

Lewis Hamilton demoralised as Mercedes woes continue at Australian Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton appeared deflated and frustrated with Mercedes still unable to bring in the changes needed to challenge further up the grid.
By STUART BALLARD
09:04, Fri, Apr 8, 2022

LEWIS HAMILTON ended FP2, 13th fastest with Mercedes struggling to find the right package for this weekend. And the seven-time world champion appeared dejected when asked to review the session.

Hamilton remains hopeful that better things are to come for Mercedes in the near future. But, for now, they're powerless to compete towards the front of the grid.

"I don't think it's going to be tricky to find our way back, there's just not a lot we can do," he added. "This is the way it is so we just have to drive with it.”

‘Deflation and Frustration’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...d-Prix-F1-news


Race director fires warning at Lewis Hamilton over ‘safety concerns’ ahead of 2022 Australian GP
Niels Wittich has reminded drivers of a ban on jewellery during races.
by Rob Kershaw
8 April 20228 April 2022

Race director at this year’s Australian Grand Prix, Niels Wittich, has emphasised that there is rule in place prohibiting drivers from wearing jewellery while racing due to safety concerns. The drivers’ race suits and undergarments are all required to be specifically flame-retardant to avoid adding to the risk of a fire during a crash.

The FIA placed “an immediate ban on the wearing of jewellery (body piercing and heavy chains) by race and rally competitors.” Sir Lewis Hamilton is often seen wearing jewellery in the paddock and sometimes even when in the cockpit, so it is conceivable that Wittich’s reminder was aimed predominantly at the Briton.

“The wearing of jewellery in the form of body piercing or metal neck chains is prohibited during the competition and may therefore be checked before the start,” he wrote in 5.1 of his notes ahead of this weekend.”

‘Jewellery Prohibited’;

https://formula1news.co.uk/race-dire...australian-gp/


Sebastian Vettel fined €5,000 for moped incident during Australian Grand Prix practice
Callum McAvoyFriday 8 Apr 2022 6:27 pm

Sebastian Vettel has been given a €5,000 fine after riding a moped around the Albert Park circuit after the first practice session for the Australian Grand Prix.

The four-time world champion was left stranded on track on Friday after his Aston Martin suffered engine problems and caught fire towards the end of FP1.

After helping to put the fire out, the German waited trackside until the end of the session before borrowing a moped from the marshals and riding it back to the pitlane via the track and not the designated, inner-circuit route, waving to the jubilant Melbourne crowds in the process.

‘€5,000 fine’;

https://metro.co.uk/2022/04/08/f1-st...o=newsnow-feed


F1 LIVE: Fears over ‘artificial race’ in Aus GP track swipe; Vettel cops bizarre scooter fine
April 9th, 2022 12:30 pm
Jacob Polychronis from Fox Sports

Many drivers gave an early tick of approval to track changes at Albert Park on Friday – but not everyone will be so easily won over at the Australian Grand Prix.

Former driver and Sky F1 pundit Paul Di Resta was critical of the new layout following practice, warning that the race is at risk of becoming “artificial”. “I’m not convinced on it to be honest,” he said on Sky F1. “I don’t think taking out the corners was the right call. 2022 is very different to 2019, four DRS zones is too much I think but I don’t want to see an artificial race.

Vettel explained the decision before he was penalised, saying he convinced the marshal to let him drive. “The guy came with a scooter and he said, ‘you can jump on the back,’ Vettel said. “I said, ‘can I drive it?’ Because I prefer to drive myself. “And then he handed me the scooter, so I said, ‘okay,’ and he said, ‘off you go.’ And I went. I mean, I would like to get the car back and not to have a problem in the first place. I’m not here to drive a scooter.”

‘Critical and Bizarre’;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsp...d1e0b1ca665aa9


Ricciardo’s unexpected boost; Mercedes mystery deepens: What we learned from F1 practice
April 9th, 2022 10:06 am
Michael Lamonato from Fox Sports

STILL NOTHING TO SPLIT FERRARI AND RED BULL RACING. The all-important long-run data from second practice reveals the evenness between the front running teams. In fact it’s Red Bull Racing who stands atop the race simulation times on the favoured medium tyre, albeit by a fine margin.

IMPROVED NEWS FOR MCLAREN McLaren arrived in Melbourne knowing the track would be on the favourable side for its problematic car, but the evidence of free practice suggests the team may be in better shape than even in Saudi Arabia.

Daniel Ricciardo, who predicted he’d be able to target strong points this weekend, agreed the day had gone unexpectedly well for the team just two races after fielding the slowest car of all. “I think again realistically, [based on] our expectation of where we think we could be, it’s been a good day,” Daniel Ricciardo said, the Australian 1.2 seconds off the pace. At least we’re there. “Hopefully there’s not too much sandbagging going on with others. The main thing is I think we have a decent level of confidence with the car.”

‘Mercedes Mystery, Fine Margins, Unexpectedly Well’;

https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsp...a1d249a3e6ac90