MEDICUS May 2022

Gods of Thunder come to Albert Park T he Australian Grand Prix has a proud history dating back decades. In the modern era, as a Formula 1 event, Adelaide and Melbourne have hosted the event. With Australia’s usually lovely weather, our race was the first on the calendar each year, ushering in the excitement of the next season’s cars, driver combinations and a fresh start for many. In 2020, the world was coming to grips with the new terror which was COVID-19, and after the whole, vast Grand Prix operation was set up and ready to go, on the morning of the race, the Victorian authorities cancelled it, sending disappointed spectators away at the gates. Teams, sponsors, caterers, media and others who’d spent millions of dollars, shut shop and headed home disappointed. In 2021, there was still plenty of chaos and uncertainty, so the Australian Grand Prix was dropped from the much- changed calendar of races. There was hope that 2022 would bring sufficient freedoms to allow the race back to Albert Park in suburban Melbourne. Paul Blank With the biggest names in motorsport, exciting races and an electric atmosphere, the Australian Grand Prix recorded a fantastic return to the F1 calendar. Paul Blank reports Rush hour: Daniel Ricciardo leaves a pitstop mid-race. Photo: McLaren Track stars: Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc (extreme right) and Carlos Sainz (middle) head for their cars. Photo: Paul Blank 48 M E D I C U S M AY 2 0 2 2 D R I V E