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Time of India
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Who was Lella Lombardi? Meet the first woman in F1 history to score points 50 years ago
Lella Lombardi (via Getty Images) Half a century ago, when life was very hard for women, Lella Lombardi was breaking all barriers, becoming the first—and to this day the only woman to have scored points in a Formula 1 Grand Prix. She did it at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix, opening new doors in the historically male world of the sport. Her legacy continues to motivate generations of lady drivers as a sign of courage in the face of the most formidable challenges. Lella Lombardi: A woman motorsport pioneer racing through all barriers Born in Italy, Frugarolo, Lella Lombardi had always desired to compete and had started the process with karting and progressively moved up into Formula Monza and Formula Three. She was the first woman to race and qualify for a Formula 1 Grand Prix since Maria Teresa de Filippis in 1958, and she did this in 1975. She broke through at the Spanish Grand Prix, where she came sixth—a finish, given the fact that the race had been shortened due to a crash, that left her half a point ahead. She was the first woman to score points in Formula 1. She also became the first female to qualify and compete in the Race of Champions at Brands Hatch in 1974 and place 14th. She also had success in sports car racing when she won the 6 Hours of Pergusa and the 6 Hours of Vallelunga and competed in the top-category 24 Hours of Le Mans four times. Although Lombardi herself retired from competing in 1988, she stayed in the sport as an entrepreneur when she formed Lombardi Autosport in 1989. Her impact on the sport of racing goes far beyond her racing years. Lombardi continues to be an inspiration to female competitors around the globe, showing all individuals that passion, will, and ability can be the key to success regardless of gender. Also read: The future of women in F1: Will we See a female driver in formula 1 soon? Five decades ago, Lella Lombardi made history in Formula 1. The sole woman to have gained points in the sport, she not only broke the glass ceiling but also provided an opening for generations of women to come to follow and pursue their own motor racing dreams. Her legacy gives hope to those who dream big in the motorsport world today, proving that the path to success is far from gender-based but purely by willpower.
The Independent
08-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
Sebastian Vettel reveals ‘only regret' from glory-laden F1 career
Sebastian Vettel admits that not speaking out on social, equality and climate issues earlier in his racing career is his 'only regret' from his time in Formula One. The German driver, who raced for Red Bull, Ferrari and Aston Martin, won four F1 world championships from 2010-2013 and won 53 races in total. Vettel, who retired in 2022 after 300 grand prix entries, spent the latter years of his career advocating on a range of topics close to his heart, from climate change, LGBT rights, women in motorsport and more. 'When I started as a rookie, I was solely focused on racing and it was the only thing that was occupying my day,' Vettel told the BBC last month. 'But towards the last couple of years, I think it's probably one of the things, maybe the only thing that I would say I regret, is not to speak out earlier in my career and seeing the potential power in terms of reach and audience that you might have as a professional athlete to inspire people. 'Since then [I've been] trying to spread messages that are important to me.' Vettel, now 37, also launched a 'Race for Women' event in Saudi Arabia when F1 first raced in the Gulf country in 2021. 'It was mostly about taking young girls and women to the track and giving them a glimpse of racing in go-karts and we had a fun day and that's the story we're trying to continue to tell,' he explained. 'It's always difficult with these things how much impact you might have. Certainly, we had a lot of impact on all these girls and gave them a lot of courage for the future to speak out in a country that is changing and evolving and things are improving. 'So the intention really is to go back and continue once we've sort of planted the seeds and give those girls and women a little bit of a voice. 'When I did go-karts in Europe I raced girls but it was very rare. The more girls we have participating and less of these stereotypes that girls can't race, I think it's positive, it's good evolution. 'It is important in Europe but it's even more important I think in a place like Saudi where you can feel things are opening up, maybe not with the speed we all wish or some people expect but there are steps. It's great to see these girls get a chance to get behind the wheel.' Vettel raced in the 2025 Race of Champions in Sydney, alongside compatriot Mick Schumacher, but has on the whole maintained his distance from competitive racing since his retirement more than two years ago.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
F1 news LIVE: Lewis Hamilton warned over Ferrari honeymoon and Lando Norris ‘ready to win title'
Lewis Hamilton prepares for his Ferrari debut as the 2025 Formula 1 season begins in Melbourne this week at the Australian Grand Prix, although he has been warned that there could be an initial period of adapting. After making the blockbuster move from Mercedes to partner up with Charles Leclerc, the Scuderia will hope to dethrone Red Bull's Max Verstappen, with the Dutch driver bidding for a fifth successive F1 crown. However, former driver Ralf Schumacher has said on the Sky Germany podcast 'I don't think he [Verstappen] has a chance' after Red Bull's late-season struggles last year. After the official three-day pre-season test at the Bahrain International Circuit, excitement is building around McLaren, with Lando Norris and this week's home favourite Oscar Piastri moving into title contention, with former McLaren star Mika Hakkinen stating that Norris is now ready to win the Drivers' Championship after what happened towards the end of last season. While George Russell now leads the Silver Arrows, they also have Kimi Antonelli who is among an exciting crop of rookie drivers in F1 this year, as is Briton Ollie Bearman, who spoke exclusively to The Independent this week about his title ambitions.F1 returns for 2025 season at Australian Grand Prix on Sunday Lando Norris starts 2025 campaign as favourite for Drivers' Championship and Mika Hakkinen says he's 'ready' to win the title Lewis Hamilton poised for Ferrari debut after making switch following 11 years with Mercedes but warned over expectation of a honeymoon Exclusive interview – Ollie Bearman: 'You only get one shot in F1 – my ultimate goal is to be a world champion' Four-time defending champion Max Verstappen told he has 'no chance' of title in struggling Red Bull by Ralf Schumacher Oscar Piastri signs long-term extension with McLaren: 'It's a no-brainer' 08:30 , Flo Clifford A group of prominent Formula 1 figures showed their support for Michael Schumacher at the Race of Champions in Sydney as they urged the seven-time world champion to 'keep fighting'. Mick Schumacher, the German great's son, and former F1 driver Sebastian Vettel were among those in attendance as a banner was unveiled at the Accor Stadium. Schumacher suffered a traumatic brain injury in a skiing accident in 2013 and has not since been seen in public, with few updates provided by his family about his health as he rehabilitates privately. Michael Schumacher tribute unveiled by son Mick and Sebastian Vettel: 'Keep fighting' 08:15 , Flo Clifford Max Verstappen does not have 'a chance' of a fifth straight F1 Drivers' Championship win in 2025, according to former driver Ralf Schumacher. Schumacher believes Verstappen delivered a 'rescue' effort in a struggling Red Bull car last year but he won't be able to do the same again. McLaren's Lando Norris is the favourite to win the title this season and Schumacher is adamant Verstappen will be powerless to stop the Brit and others at the front of the grid. Speaking on the Sky Germany podcast, Schumacher said: 'Last year it was clear. Red Bull was very strong at the start of the season, but then they couldn't handle the car. Verstappen was the rescue. 'However, he will have to get used to everything coming to an end. I don't think he has a chance.' 08:00 , Flo Clifford The dispute between four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen and Mercedes' George Russell shows no sign of abating as the new season gets underway. The pair memorably clashed after the Qatar Grand Prix last season, when Verstappen, the eventual winner, was penalised for impeding the Brit. Russell claimed that afterwards Verstappen threatened to "purposefully go out of his way to crash into me and 'put me on my head in the wall'", while his Dutch counterpart said he had 'lost all respect' for the Mercedes driver. 'No love lost' between Russell and Verstappen as feud rumbles on 07:45 , Flo Clifford Lewis Hamilton has admitted that incidents of black footballers being racially abused in Italy did make him think twice when deciding to move to Ferrari this year. The seven-time F1 world champion has switched to Ferrari after 12 years and six world titles at Mercedes. His first race in Scuderia red is at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on 16 March. Hamilton is also F1's first and only black driver and has detailed in the past the 'traumatising' racial abuse he has suffered, detailing in 2023 that he had bananas thrown at him and was repeatedly called the 'n-word' at school. He was also racially abused at F1 testing in Barcelona in 2008. Serie A footballers such as Mike Maignan and Moise Kean have been subject to racial abuse in the past and Hamilton did admit that racist chanting at Italian matches 'crossed his mind' when making the decision to move to Ferrari last winter. Lewis Hamilton admits racism in Serie A 'crossed his mind' before Ferrari F1 move 07:30 , Flo Clifford As foolish as it sounds, Ollie Bearman's manager was actually cut off from the call which changed the life of his most precious client. Fortunately, the British teenager himself was not short of credit on his phone. Ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix last March, Ferrari suddenly needed a driver after Carlos Sainz fell ill. Relaxing idyllically off the shores of the Red Sea fresh from securing pole position in F2, 18-year-old Bearman spotted Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur's name on his phone and, right then, knew he was about to be given the opportunity of a lifetime. Kieran Jackson chats exclusively to the British F1 rookie sensation: F1 star Bearman: 'You only get one shot – my goal is to be a world champion' 07:15 , Flo Clifford Taking the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi at the final race of 2024, bringing home a first constructors' title in 26 years for McLaren, brought up mixed emotions for cheerful chappy Lando Norris. On one hand, it was pure elation. A member of the McLaren family for eight years, this meant as much to Norris as anyone else. He described it as a 'perfect' end to the season, beating Ferrari to the championship by 14 points. And he'd need no invitation; he was going to get 'hammered' later that night over the border in Bahrain. Yet in the same breath, even amid joyous papaya-clad celebrations on the pit-wall, the boy from Bristol could not help but sample that bittersweet taste. 'It's been a special year,' he said over team radio, before adding: 'And next year is going to be my year, too.' Why Lando Norris knows there are now 'no excuses' – he has to win 2025 F1 title 07:00 , Flo Clifford For the second year running, there will be no new races on the schedule. 2026 is set to be different, though, with Madrid already confirmed as the new home of the Spanish Grand Prix, meaning 2025 could be the last year Barcelona hosts an F1 race. Other calendar alterations include a triple-header in April between Japan-Bahrain-Saudi, while Spain has moved forward three weeks to the end of May/start of June. Belgium and Hungary have swapped weekends too, with Budapest now hosting the final race before the customary summer break. This year sees a four-week gap in autumn but there will be no such space in the calendar next year, with just one week's rest in-between Singapore and Austin in October. 06:45 , Flo Clifford Here's the calendar for 2025: ROUND 1 - AUSTRALIA - Albert Park, Melbourne - 14-16 March ROUND 2 - CHINA (sprint weekend) - Shanghai International Circuit - 21-23 March ROUND 3 - JAPAN - Suzuka International Racing Course - 4-6 April ROUND 4 —BAHRAIN - Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir - 11-13 April ROUND 5 - SAUDI ARABIA - Jeddah Corniche Circuit - 18-20 April ROUND 6 - MIAMI (sprint weekend) - Miami International Autodrome, Hard Rock Stadium - 2-4 May ROUND 7 - EMILIA ROMAGNA - Imola Circuit - 16-18 May ROUND 8 - MONACO - Circuit de Monaco - 23-25 May ROUND 9 - SPAIN - Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya - 30 May-1 June ROUND 10 - CANADA - Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal - 13-15 June ROUND 11 - AUSTRIA - Red Bull Ring, Spielberg - 27-29 June ROUND 12 - GREAT BRITAIN - Silverstone Circuit - 4-6 July ROUND 13 - BELGIUM (sprint weekend) - Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps - 25-27 July ROUND 14 - HUNGARY - Hungaroring, Budapest - 1-3 August ROUND 15 - NETHERLANDS - Circuit Zandvoort - 29-31 August ROUND 16 - ITALY - Monza Circuit - 5-7 September ROUND 17 - AZERBAIJAN - Baku City Circuit - 19-21 September ROUND 18 - SINGAPORE - Marina Bay Street Circuit - 3-5 October ROUND 19 - UNITED STATES (sprint weekend) - Circuit of the Americas, Austin - 17-19 October ROUND 20 - MEXICO - Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City - 24-26 October ROUND 21 - BRAZIL (sprint weekend) - Interlagos Circuit, Sao Paulo - 7-9 November ROUND 22 - LAS VEGAS - Las Vegas Street Circuit - 20-22 November ROUND 23 - QATAR (sprint weekend) - Lusail International Circuit, Lusail - 28-30 November ROUND 24 - ABU DHABI - Yas Marina Circuit - 5-7 December 06:32 , Jamie Braidwood Oscar Piastri has signed a multi-year deal with McLaren on the eve of the opening race of the new Formula One season. Piastri, 23, who was already under contract until 2026, has now secured his long-term future with the British team. The Australian driver finished fourth in the championship last year. He opened his winning account in Hungary before claiming a second victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. With McLaren expected to carry over their constructors'-winning form into the new season, Piastri is set to battle with team-mate Lando Norris for the world title. Speaking after his contract extension was announced, Piastri, gearing up for his third season on the F1 grid, said: 'It's a great feeling knowing that I'm part of McLaren's long-term vision.' Oscar Piastri signs long-term extension with McLaren: 'It's a no-brainer' 06:30 , Flo Clifford The 2025 F1 season officially kicks off with the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday. We'll have all the news here and the build-up to the weekend's action.
The Independent
12-03-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
F1 news LIVE: Lewis Hamilton warned over Ferrari honeymoon and Lando Norris ‘ready to win title'
Lewis Hamilton prepares for his Ferrari debut as the 2025 Formula 1 season begins in Melbourne this week at the Australian Grand Prix, although he has been warned that there could be an initial period of adapting. After making the blockbuster move from Mercedes to partner up with Charles Leclerc, the Scuderia will hope to dethrone Red Bull 's Max Verstappen, with the Dutch driver bidding for a fifth successive F1 crown. However, former driver Ralf Schumacher has said on the Sky Germany podcast 'I don't think he [Verstappen] has a chance' after Red Bull's late-season struggles last year. After the official three-day pre-season test at the Bahrain International Circuit, excitement is building around McLaren, with Lando Norris and this week's home favourite Oscar Piastri moving into title contention, with former McLaren star Mika Hakkinen stating that Norris is now ready to win the Drivers' Championship after what happened towards the end of last season. While George Russell now leads the Silver Arrows, they also have Kimi Antonelli who is among an exciting crop of rookie drivers in F1 this year, as is Briton Ollie Bearman, who spoke exclusively to The Independent this week about his title ambitions. Michael Schumacher tribute unveiled by son Mick and Sebastian Vettel: 'Keep fighting' A group of prominent Formula 1 figures showed their support for Michael Schumacher at the Race of Champions in Sydney as they urged the seven-time world champion to 'keep fighting'. Mick Schumacher, the German great's son, and former F1 driver Sebastian Vettel were among those in attendance as a banner was unveiled at the Accor Stadium. Schumacher suffered a traumatic brain injury in a skiing accident in 2013 and has not since been seen in public, with few updates provided by his family about his health as he rehabilitates privately. Michael Schumacher tribute unveiled by son Mick and Sebastian Vettel: 'Keep fighting' A number of famous Formula 1 figures showed their support for the seven-time world champion Flo Clifford12 March 2025 08:30 Max Verstappen told 'he doesn't have a chance' of F1 title this year Max Verstappen does not have 'a chance' of a fifth straight F1 Drivers' Championship win in 2025, according to former driver Ralf Schumacher. Schumacher believes Verstappen delivered a 'rescue' effort in a struggling Red Bull car last year but he won't be able to do the same again. McLaren's Lando Norris is the favourite to win the title this season and Schumacher is adamant Verstappen will be powerless to stop the Brit and others at the front of the grid. Speaking on the Sky Germany podcast, Schumacher said: 'Last year it was clear. Red Bull was very strong at the start of the season, but then they couldn't handle the car. Verstappen was the rescue. 'However, he will have to get used to everything coming to an end. I don't think he has a chance.' Flo Clifford12 March 2025 08:15 'No love lost' between George Russell and Max Verstappen as last season's feud rumbles on The dispute between four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen and Mercedes' George Russell shows no sign of abating as the new season gets underway. The pair memorably clashed after the Qatar Grand Prix last season, when Verstappen, the eventual winner, was penalised for impeding the Brit. Russell claimed that afterwards Verstappen threatened to "purposefully go out of his way to crash into me and 'put me on my head in the wall'", while his Dutch counterpart said he had 'lost all respect' for the Mercedes driver. 'No love lost' between Russell and Verstappen as feud rumbles on Mercedes driver continues the war of words as his feud with Verstappen hangs over next weekend's season opener Flo Clifford12 March 2025 08:00 Lewis Hamilton admits racism in Serie A 'crossed his mind' before Ferrari F1 move Lewis Hamilton has admitted that incidents of black footballers being racially abused in Italy did make him think twice when deciding to move to Ferrari this year. The seven-time F1 world champion has switched to Ferrari after 12 years and six world titles at Mercedes. His first race in Scuderia red is at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on 16 March. Hamilton is also F1's first and only black driver and has detailed in the past the 'traumatising' racial abuse he has suffered, detailing in 2023 that he had bananas thrown at him and was repeatedly called the 'n-word' at school. He was also racially abused at F1 testing in Barcelona in 2008. Serie A footballers such as Mike Maignan and Moise Kean have been subject to racial abuse in the past and Hamilton did admit that racist chanting at Italian matches 'crossed his mind' when making the decision to move to Ferrari last winter. Lewis Hamilton admits racism in Serie A 'crossed his mind' before Ferrari F1 move The seven-time world champion, who has moved to Ferrari from Mercedes, is F1's first and only black driver Flo Clifford12 March 2025 07:45 Ollie Bearman: 'You only get one shot in F1 – my ultimate goal is to be a world champion' As foolish as it sounds, Ollie Bearman's manager was actually cut off from the call which changed the life of his most precious client. Fortunately, the British teenager himself was not short of credit on his phone. Ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix last March, Ferrari suddenly needed a driver after Carlos Sainz fell ill. Relaxing idyllically off the shores of the Red Sea fresh from securing pole position in F2, 18-year-old Bearman spotted Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur's name on his phone and, right then, knew he was about to be given the opportunity of a lifetime. Kieran Jackson chats exclusively to the British F1 rookie sensation: F1 star Bearman: 'You only get one shot – my goal is to be a world champion' From a stunning Ferrari debut at 18 to a 'dream' two-year contract at Haas, it's been quite the 12 months for the Chelmsford teenager with an Italian twang. He tells Kieran Jackson all about it, ahead of the first race of the 2025 season in Australia on Sunday Flo Clifford12 March 2025 07:30 Why Lando Norris knows there is 'no excuses' now – he has to win 2025 F1 title Taking the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi at the final race of 2024, bringing home a first constructors' title in 26 years for McLaren, brought up mixed emotions for cheerful chappy Lando Norris. On one hand, it was pure elation. A member of the McLaren family for eight years, this meant as much to Norris as anyone else. He described it as a 'perfect' end to the season, beating Ferrari to the championship by 14 points. And he'd need no invitation; he was going to get 'hammered' later that night over the border in Bahrain. Yet in the same breath, even amid joyous papaya-clad celebrations on the pit-wall, the boy from Bristol could not help but sample that bittersweet taste. 'It's been a special year,' he said over team radio, before adding: 'And next year is going to be my year, too.' Why Lando Norris knows there are now 'no excuses' – he has to win 2025 F1 title Now or never? Norris fell short of Max Verstappen last year but, as Kieran Jackson explains, the British star must make it count this year, even with teammate Oscar Piastri chomping at the bit to catch him Flo Clifford12 March 2025 07:15 When does the new F1 season start? Full 2025 calendar and testing schedule For the second year running, there will be no new races on the schedule. 2026 is set to be different, though, with Madrid already confirmed as the new home of the Spanish Grand Prix, meaning 2025 could be the last year Barcelona hosts an F1 race. Other calendar alterations include a triple-header in April between Japan-Bahrain-Saudi, while Spain has moved forward three weeks to the end of May/start of June. Belgium and Hungary have swapped weekends too, with Budapest now hosting the final race before the customary summer break. This year sees a four-week gap in autumn but there will be no such space in the calendar next year, with just one week's rest in-between Singapore and Austin in October. Flo Clifford12 March 2025 07:00 2025 F1 calendar Here's the calendar for 2025: ROUND 1 - AUSTRALIA - Albert Park, Melbourne - 14-16 March ROUND 2 - CHINA (sprint weekend) - Shanghai International Circuit - 21-23 March ROUND 3 - JAPAN - Suzuka International Racing Course - 4-6 April ROUND 4 —BAHRAIN - Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir - 11-13 April ROUND 5 - SAUDI ARABIA - Jeddah Corniche Circuit - 18-20 April ROUND 6 - MIAMI (sprint weekend) - Miami International Autodrome, Hard Rock Stadium - 2-4 May ROUND 7 - EMILIA ROMAGNA - Imola Circuit - 16-18 May ROUND 8 - MONACO - Circuit de Monaco - 23-25 May ROUND 9 - SPAIN - Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya - 30 May-1 June ROUND 10 - CANADA - Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal - 13-15 June ROUND 11 - AUSTRIA - Red Bull Ring, Spielberg - 27-29 June ROUND 12 - GREAT BRITAIN - Silverstone Circuit - 4-6 July ROUND 13 - BELGIUM (sprint weekend) - Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps - 25-27 July ROUND 14 - HUNGARY - Hungaroring, Budapest - 1-3 August ROUND 15 - NETHERLANDS - Circuit Zandvoort - 29-31 August ROUND 16 - ITALY - Monza Circuit - 5-7 September ROUND 17 - AZERBAIJAN - Baku City Circuit - 19-21 September ROUND 18 - SINGAPORE - Marina Bay Street Circuit - 3-5 October ROUND 19 - UNITED STATES (sprint weekend) - Circuit of the Americas, Austin - 17-19 October ROUND 20 - MEXICO - Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City - 24-26 October ROUND 21 - BRAZIL (sprint weekend) - Interlagos Circuit, Sao Paulo - 7-9 November ROUND 22 - LAS VEGAS - Las Vegas Street Circuit - 20-22 November ROUND 23 - QATAR (sprint weekend) - Lusail International Circuit, Lusail - 28-30 November ROUND 24 - ABU DHABI - Yas Marina Circuit - 5-7 December Flo Clifford12 March 2025 06:45 Oscar Piastri signs long-term extension with McLaren: 'It's a no-brainer' Oscar Piastri has signed a multi-year deal with McLaren on the eve of the opening race of the new Formula One season. Piastri, 23, who was already under contract until 2026, has now secured his long-term future with the British team. The Australian driver finished fourth in the championship last year. He opened his winning account in Hungary before claiming a second victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. With McLaren expected to carry over their constructors'-winning form into the new season, Piastri is set to battle with team-mate Lando Norris for the world title. Speaking after his contract extension was announced, Piastri, gearing up for his third season on the F1 grid, said: 'It's a great feeling knowing that I'm part of McLaren's long-term vision.' The 23-year-old Australian driver was already under contract until 2026 Jamie Braidwood12 March 2025 06:32 F1 returns for 2025 season at Australian Grand Prix on Sunday The 2025 F1 season officially kicks off with the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday. We'll have all the news here and the build-up to the weekend's action. Flo Clifford12 March 2025 06:30
The Independent
10-03-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
Michael Schumacher tribute unveiled by son Mick and Sebastian Vettel: ‘Keep fighting'
A group of prominent Formula 1 figures showed their support for Michael Schumacher at the Race of Champions in Sydney as they urged the seven-time world champion to 'keep fighting'. Mick Schumacher, the German great's son, and former F1 driver Sebastian Vettel were among those in attendance as a banner was unveiled at the Accor Stadium. Schumacher suffered a traumatic brain injury in a skiing accident in 2013 and has not since been seen in public, with few updates provided by his family about his health as he rehabilitates privately. The banner promoted the Keep Fighting Foundation established four years after the incident that continues charitable work in the 56-year-old's name. All 20 competing drivers in Sydney were involved in displaying the supportive message. France's Sebastien Loeb, a nine-time world champion in rallying, won the event by defeating home hopeful Chaz Mostert in the final. Vettel and Mick Schumacher, providing German representation, each exited at the quarter-final stage. The event came ahead of the start of the Formula 1 season in Melbourne this weekend. Race day at the Australian Grand Prix is Sunday 16 March as Max Verstappen bids for a fifth successive Drivers' Championship. Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, will again chase a record eighth world title after his move to Ferrari having tied Schumacher's tally in 2020.
