A reminder we have lost a DRS zone

At the start of the weekend, there were four DRZ zones. 

One of them, between turns 8 and 9, has been removed. 

We are 10 minutes away from the start of the race

The countdown is on.

World champion Verstappen says he has struggled despite qualifying second

Red Bull's Max Verstappen says there is a gap between him and pole sitter Charles Leclerc.

The reigning world champion said he did not feel the car performed at its best in qualifying on Saturday.

However, the Dutchman said he believed Red Bull had a good set-up for the race this afternoon.

"The weekend so far has been a bit of a struggle, there is a gap between Charles and I," he said.

"But second of course is not bad and I think there is a lot more potential in the car than we are showing at the moment.

"I think we have a good race car and in race conditions everything stabilises a bit, so it is more consistent."

Who are you picking to win?

I think Max Verstappen will win this afternoon. 

Who do you think will take the chequered flag in Melbourne?

It is a special day

Ah Mick! Good to see you in your happy place :)

-Natty

They say one second is a lifetime in Formula 1, Natty. 

If so, how long does three years between races in Melbourne feel like?

Here is the starting grid for today's race

Daniel Ricciardo talking positive ahead of his home race

McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo has had a very good weekend thus far in Melbourne.

The Australian has looked more comfortable in his car and it showed in qualifying, finishing seventh.

After a tough start to the season, he said he and the team are in a good position for Sunday afternoon's race.

"I think it's been a positive weekend so far," he said.

"I've been really happy with the progress and the car has felt good, which I think shows. We had a strong qualifying, so that's been good, and overall, I'm very pleased."

Ricciardo has not been able to score points in the first two races this season.

Relive Charles Leclerc's brilliant qualifying lap

Everything you need to know about Albert Park

Here is a quick guide to today's Australian Grand Prix

• Start time: 3pm AEST
• Laps: 58
• Track length: 5.278 kilometres 
• Race distance: 306.124 kilometres 
• DRS zones: Three

Hello everyone

Good afternoon F1 fans. The Australian Grand Prix is back.

Michael 'Mick' Doyle here to guide you through round three of the 2022 F1 world championship.

Ferrari is on pole and Daniel Ricciardo is looking more comfortable in his McLaren.

Let me know your thoughts throughout the day in the comments section.

Let's go.