Ferrari adds to F1’s sparkle
Ferrari Trento has been the official sparkling wine of F1 since 2021, a fact which has caused mild consternation in two areas: first, longtime podium master of ceremonies Bob Constanduros can no longer perform his much-loved call of “champaaaaaaaaaaagne!” Second, there haven’t been that many opportunities for it to be sprayed in celebration of a victory for its unrelated namesake, Scuderia Ferrari.
Last year it took until Singapore for Ferrari to break Red Bull’s winning streak. Doing it in race three is hopefully a sign of more variety on the top step. One question: is it OK to drink fizz after an appendectomy?
Where Melbourne, Australia
When 4:53pm, Sunday 24 March 2024
Details Canon EOS R3 100-500mm lens, 1/2500th @ F6.3
Take it to the limit every time
It’s a delicate balance trying to coax a flat-out qualifying lap from a modern F1 car since you can do a lot of damage to vital pieces of aerodynamic hardware once you start to flirt with track limits. So much downforce is generated by the underfloor and those intricately shaped fences at the leading edges and inside the diffuser – precisely the areas most vulnerable once you start running over the kerbs.
Both Mercedes cars were struggling with rear-end instability all weekend. That manifested itself with a few white-knuckle excursions out on the kerbs – all in a day’s work for some of the greatest drivers in the business, of course.
Where Melbourne, Australia
When 4:30pm, Saturday 23 March 2024
Details Nikon Z9 600mm lens, 1/4000th @ F4
It Haas to be both of you
The passion of Japanese motor racing fans is genuinely something to behold. Whatever the weather – and we seemed to get at least three seasons this weekend – the Suzuka crowd turns up in force. Even when, as in this case, a calendar migration means it’s only six months since the last Japanese Grand Prix.
So, patriotic fervour dictated a lot of love for Yuki Tsunoda. But look closely around the grandstands and you’ll find hardcore support for every driver. And they stay long after the track activity is over – because, as here, that dedication is often rewarded by a visit from the drivers. You can see here how much Nico and Kevin enjoyed the meet ’n’ greet.
Where Suzuka, Japan
When 6:45pm, Saturday 6 April 2024
Details Nikon Z9 24-70mm lens, 1/800th @
