Alonso defence launched as driver he replaced returns to motorsport – RacingNews365 Review

Fernando Alonso received a 20-second time penalty in Australia for his incident with George Russell.

Alonso dropped from sixth to eighth for the move, that ended with a heavy crash for Russell.

Alonso's Aston Martin Team Principal Mike Krack has now launched a powerful defence of the two-time World Champion.

READ MORE: Aston Martin issue powerful statement in defence of Alonso

Vettel's motorsport return

Four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel has detailed his curiosity to drive a Le Mans Hypercar following his LMDh test at Aragón.

Vettel was behind the wheel of the Porsche 963 as part of an outing with Porsche Penske Motorsport on Tuesday, setting 118 laps.

READ: Vettel details 'curiosity' to make WEC test debut

Verstappen 'fiery passion' an indicator to F1 retirement

Ex-Formula 1 driver Martin Brundle has indicated when it could become clear that Max Verstappen will bow out of F1.

Verstappen retired from the Australian Grand Prix last time out after suffering a brake issue early on in the race.

READ MORE: Verstappen 'fiery passion' an indicator to F1 retirement

Ferrari pressure will force Red Bull 'mistakes' – Vasseur

Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur believes Carlos Sainz's emphatic Australian Grand Prix is proof that the Italians can put Red Bull "under pressure", when they operate smoothly.

Similarly to in last season's Singapore Grand Prix, Sainz ended Max Verstappen's winning streak, which stood at nine races prior to last weekend's trip to Melbourne's Albert Park Circuit.

READ MORE: Ferrari pressure will force Red Bull 'mistakes' – Vasseur

Norris adamant Piastri swap did not change result

Lando Norris is adamant he would have overtaken team-mate Oscar Piastri for third position at the Australian Grand Prix without McLaren’s team order intervention.

McLaren opted to issue a command to both drivers on lap 29 of the race at Melbourne's Albert Park to swap places, with home hero Piastri yielding third place to Norris.

READ MORE: Norris adamant Piastri swap did not change result

Tsunoda throws his hat into Red Bull conundrum

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has stated every candidate for a 2025 Formula 1 drive at the team “all have arguments" in their favour.

The Silver Arrows are searching for a new driver following Lewis Hamilton's shock decision to leave the team.

READ MORE: Wolff issues update on 2025 F1 driver hunt