Former F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve found himself in a surreal situation on his journey to Melbourne for next weekend's Australian Grand Prix. The 53-year-old was preparing to make the long voyage from Milan, Italy, when he suddenly found himself held captive in a toilet cubicle.

It's been three decades since Mika Hakkinen required immediate life-saving treatment when he crashed in qualy for the 1995 Australian GP.

With the F1 carnival burning rubber in Melbourne this week, all eyes will be on the global stars of the sport such as Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc.

As well as the added excitement of being the season opener, the Australian Grand Prix has also proven to be a good pointer to the championship. Of the 27 Australian Grand Prix held at Albert Park since 1996, the race winner has gone on to claim the drivers’ championship 14 times.

Formula 1 star Jack Doohan has been seemingly left stranded ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix later this month due to the impact of Cyclone Alfred. The 22-year-old is preparing to embark on his first campaign in the sport alongside Pierre Gasly at Alpine, having recently replaced Esteban Ocon in the cockpit .

Supercars will again headline the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix support program next year. Image: Insyde Media A new contract

The FIA have decided to increase the number of race stewards from three to four at F1 ’s season-opening race of the 2025 season in Australia next week. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

Wristwatch Check is an exclusive gathering that blends high-end automobiles with independent watch brands. As the world’s revheads descend on the Victorian capital for a weekend of motorsport, this unique experience is essential viewing for enthusiasts looking for something away from the regular Formula 1 programming.

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has declared Lewis Hamilton ‘ready’ for his debut in Melbourne next weekend. The Brit has undergone an extensive testing programme and clocked hundreds of laps during pre-season in Bahrain last week. Hamilton’s first race with the Scuderia will be the headline-stealer in Melbourne.