Melbourne (dpa) – After two years without a race during the corona pandemic, Formula 1 is back in Australia. Also in the third race of the season on Sunday there are many indications of another duel between world champion Max Verstappen in the Red Bull and his Ferrari challenger Charles Leclerc.
Mercedes with record champion Lewis Hamilton, on the other hand, seems to be behind before qualifying this Saturday (8:00 a.m. CEST / Sky) in Melbourne.
Red rocket on the way to the next victory?
Ferrari was again at the front in practice on Friday. With his best time, Charles Leclerc indicated that he could further extend his World Cup lead in Australia. “I personally think that the Ferrari is a rocket on the straights,” said Max Verstappen. The Dutchman couldn’t get past Monegasque at the start. “I hope that our car is even better here,” said the 24-year-old, who won the last Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia.
Vettel’s problem car with no name
Sebastian Vettel has a tradition of giving his car its own name every year. However, his Aston Martin is still unnamed – and causes huge problems. The four-time world champion missed a whole training session after an engine failure and now hopes to be able to drive normally again on Saturday. “We will work hard and hope for improvements,” said Vettel. After a positive coronavirus test, the Hessian missed the first two races of the year and is now only entering with a delay.
Hamilton jokes about jewelry ban behind the wheel
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Chains and piercings are prohibited in Formula 1 cars for safety reasons. The drivers in Australia were once again expressly informed of this – and Hamilton addressed it in the press conference. “I have certain piercings that I can’t just take out that not many people know about,” said the Briton, unable to remain serious for long. “I’m just kidding,” he then said and smirked. The ban has been known for years and is not a problem for the eccentric veteran.
The city of sin already in mind
Away from the current events, there is a lot of anticipation for the first night race in Las Vegas next year. Mexican Sergio Perez admitted to having been to the US gambling paradise “far too often” and added: “The best nights of my life were definitely in Vegas.” From 2023 he will be challenged with his colleagues in the night race on the Strip, as was recently announced. “We all love the city of sins,” said Haas team boss Günther Steiner and grinned. After Austin in Texas and Miami in Florida, Las Vegas will be the third US stop for Formula 1.