The Australian GP and the first round of the new F1 season are over. This first showdown in Melbourne was entirely dominated by the changed regulations; for the first time, the somewhat controversial new power units were tested in practice. The majority of the drivers, especially those who saw Mercedes disappear on the horizon, are not yet convinced. Nevertheless, the international media is cautiously positive about the Australian GP.
Read more Max Verstappen confirms participation in 24 Hours of Nürburgring: ‘Extremely happy’
Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport primarily focused on Kimi Antonelli, who equaled his best-ever F1 result behind teammate and race winner George Russell. Naturally, attention also went to Ferrari, which was clearly the fastest team after Mercedes with P3 and P4. Regarding the litmus test of the new regulations, the pink sports newspaper reported the following: “The cars could attack and overtake each other; due to the energy system, there was a constant swapping of positions. In terms of spectacle, that is a big difference from the past. The final verdict can only be passed after a few races,” the Italians added. “Then the engineers will have more information to provide the drivers with different strategies.”
‘Then Verstappen wouldn’t have complained’
Our eastern neighbors were also satisfied with the amount of spectacle the new rules provided in Melbourne. “There was a lot of complaining beforehand,” was the verdict of Bild. “Even before a single kilometer had been driven in the new F1 era, most people already had their minds made up. The cars are indeed slower, but for the average fan, this difference is not visible. They will mainly notice that the races are better. The season opener in Australia was characterized by battles, overtakes, and strategy. In short, everything the FIA and FOM hoped for. After this first Grand Prix, they can be satisfied: the new Formula 1 is better than the old one.”
Regarding Max Verstappen, perhaps the biggest critic of the new F1 era, Bild wrote: “Verstappen fought his way through the field in his Red Bull and finished sixth after starting from P20. With a better starting position, he would have been on the podium. If the Dutchman had managed that, he would undoubtedly have had less reason to complain.”
Read more Lindblad enjoyed debut race in Melbourne: ‘Was really cool to fight with Lewis’
‘Exciting new era’
France’s L’Équipe was just as enthusiastic. “Total spectacle and ultimate dominance: an exciting new era,” the sports newspaper headlined. “Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton finished just behind Mercedes during the Australian GP; thus, the battle to prevent the Silver Arrows from dominating the season has already begun. However, we have discovered a new kind of spectacle,” the report read. “Not better or worse, just a bit crazier, sometimes even a bit more chaotic. George Russell, the clear winner, confirmed his status as favorite, but at least there was some tension.”
Finally, the verdict of The Guardian. “Formula 1’s bold new era opened in Melbourne with a bang,” the British wrote. “It was undoubtedly a sigh of relief for many. Yet, one could conclude in Albert Park that the sport still has a lot of work to do to prevent it from becoming such a worrying spectacle as the main F1 drivers fear. The final result, a clear victory for George Russell in the Mercedes, was largely expected. Ferrari, however, provided a fierce battle, suggesting that more drama can be expected this season, despite all the mockery expressed this weekend.”
Read more Mekies proud of Verstappen after Australian GP: ‘Max delivered a fantastic performance’
Read everything about the Australian GP here
