It’s not immediately clear what the technical problem is.
Photo The Age
The Dutchman was forced into the pits early and his RACE IS OVER.
The world champion is not a happy chappy.
3.07pm
Change of leader ...
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz pounces early on lap two ....he takes the lead!
It happened on one of the early corners.
… and now some smoke is seen from Verstappen’s car. The Dutchman is moving back through the pack. Who saw this happening?
3.03pm
RACING!
They’re off and racing in beautiful conditions!
Looks like a completely incident-free opening lap. That is rare.
Photo The Age
3.02pm
Only minutes away now ....
The drivers are going around the track on the formation lap ....
3.00pm
The starting grid
A reminder that there’s two Australians – Oscar Piastri starting in fifth and Daniel Ricciardo well down the pack in 18th – in the race for the first time in 11 years.
2.58pm
Here’s a familiar name ...
2.57pm
The 2024 Formula 1 line-up
2.47pm
What’s at stake for Verstappen today?
2.44pm
What a sight in Melbourne
2.22pm
The pre-race drivers’ parade
Charles Leclerc of Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes.Credit: Getty Images
Drivers including Australian Oscar Piastri.Credit: Eddie Jim
