The F1 season opener usually provides the first truly representative look at how the 10 teams will stack up against each other over the campaign ahead.

However, with many of the changes made between pre-season testing in Bahrain and the visit to Melbourne’s Albert Park being track specific, much of the paddock left still unable to answer questions on optimal performance and ideal setup – an issue exacerbated by the surprisingly cold conditions at the Bahrain International Circuit in February.

READ MORE: New McLaren trick highlighted in battle with F1 rivals

Christian Horner contradicts Helmut Marko over brutal response to ‘gutted’ Isack Hadjar tears

Christian Horner is at odds with Helmut Marko over the Austrian’s unsympathetic reaction to Isack Hadjar crying after crashing out on the formation lap of his F1 debut.

The Racing Bulls driver was seen emotionally coming to terms with the bitter blow following the mistake that ended his Australian Grand Prix before it had begun.

READ MORE: Christian Horner contradicts Helmut Marko over brutal response to ‘gutted’ Isack Hadjar tears

			© Red Bull Content Pool


© Red Bull Content Pool

Ferrari make Hamilton communication vow after debut ‘mistakes’

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has reassured Lewis Hamilton that immediate improvements in communication will be made following “mistakes” which occurred during the Australian Grand Prix.

Hamilton and race engineer Riccardo Adami could not have asked for a more difficult race to start their relationship following the seven-time F1 champion’s move to the Scuderia.

READ MORE: Ferrari make Hamilton communication vow after debut ‘mistakes’

Martin Brundle takes aim at Lewis Hamilton over ‘angsty’ Ferrari radio messages

Martin Brundle was less than impressed with Lewis Hamilton’s conduct via team radio on his debut for Ferrari at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

The seven-time F1 drivers’ champion endured an underwhelming first weekend with the Italian team, which Brundle called “disappointing… by any metric.”

READ MORE: Martin Brundle takes aim at Lewis Hamilton over ‘angsty’ Ferrari radio messages

			© XPBimages


© XPBimages

Lawson left apologising despite ‘shared Red Bull gamble’

Liam Lawson has revealed the moment that added insult to injury for his Red Bull debut weekend came as a result of a ‘shared gamble’ between him and the team.

Lawson’s maiden race with Red Bull ended on lap 47 of a treacherous Australian Grand Prix, with the New Zealander the last of six drivers to suffer a crash at Melbourne’s Albert Park.

READ MORE: Lawson left apologising despite ‘shared Red Bull gamble’

Briatore hits out at ‘totally stupid’ Verstappen critics

Alpine executive advisor Flavio Briatore has jumped to the defence of Max Verstappen by calling his critics “totally stupid”.

Despite being a four-time champion, Verstappen often receives heavy criticism from followers of the sport, in particular for being too aggressive. 

READ MORE: Briatore hits out at ‘totally stupid’ Verstappen critics