WEEKEND WARM-UP: Sainz returns and two home drivers line up on the grid – but can anyone catch Red Bull in Australia?

The F1 circus is in Melbourne for the third race weekend of the season, with Max Verstappen looking to extend his winning run while the rest try to find a way to stop the Red Bull juggernaut.

That's not the only talking point here though, with Carlos Sainz set to return after sitting out the last race thanks to a bout of appendicitis. The Spaniard has admitted he isn't fully prepared after ten days of rest and recovery, but sounds eager to get going.

But can Ferrari take the fight to Red Bull? They looked to have closed the gap in Saudi Arabia, and expect this track to suit their car. Much will depend on what sort of race unfolds though, with last year's epic being even more chaotic than usual.

READ MORE: Sainz shares recovery update ahead of return to action in Australia after doing ‘as much as possible’

There are also two home drivers on the grid to discuss, with Daniel Ricciardo racing on home soil after sitting this round out last year. Oscar Piastri meanwhile got points on debut here in 2023 – can he bag another haul this weekend?

Join Laura Winter, Lawrence Barretto and Alex Brundle as they delve into all of those talking points and more in the Australian Grand Prix Weekend Warm-Up.