Oscar Piastri told to stand down
Lap 30 – The Australian McLaren driver is told to “hold his position” by his team as he snaps at the heels of his teammate Lando Norris and gets into DRS range at his home race.
Lewis Hamilton sass
Lap 30 – The seven-time world champion is doing all he can to nip past Alex Albon, but he just can’t manage it.
He’s almost 40 seconds off the lead, and 15 seconds back from his team-mate Charles Leclerc in fifth.
The engineers are trying to give Hamilton information about DRS but he says on his team radio: “Leave it guys, leave it. I’m learning the car as I go mate, just leave me to it with the DRS. It’s not an issue.”
Hilarious Charles Leclerc team radio exchange
Leclerc: “Is there a leakage?”
Engineer: “A leakage where?”
Leclerc: “I have a seat full of water. Like full of water”
Engineer: “Must be the water”
Leclerc: “Let’s add that to the words of wisdom”
Mclarens flying
Lap 26 – The two McLarens are pulling away with blistering pace from Max Verstappen, with the gap to Oscar Piastri nearly a whoping 13 seconds.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Mercedes’ garage
The Manchester United co-owner has been pictured in the Mercedes garage.
He must feel at home in the rain in Melbourne, given Old Trafford’s leaky roof.
Lewis Hamilton cleared
All four drivers has been cleared for the safety car infringements.
Hamilton is snapping at Alex Albon’s heels in P8.
