DRAMATIC Friday in Australia | This is what has happened overnight in F1

Dramatic events have unfolded on and off the track during the first day of running in Melbourne. Ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc proved to be a strong contender in qualifying by topping FP2. Max Verstappen had a problem, but it's not as serious as the problem facing Williams...or the FIA. Zak Brown reiterated his call for transparency in the press conference.

Strong remarks in the press conference

Zak Brown reiterated at the press conference in Australia that he wants transparency on several issues. The McLaren CEO believes the investigations into Christian Horner and Mohammed Ben Sulayem have been totally non-transparent so far. 

"All the items that have come to light here in recent times are very serious situations. We're living in 2024, not 1984, which means total transparency. The three situations are different, but all very serious. We need to make sure that things are done in a transparent, truly independent manner. I think everyone should welcome transparency," Brown stated in Melbourne. See the full story here.

Meanwhile, Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur suggested that fans and his frustration over the questions was clear. "But don't ask us to make any comments because we don't have access to evidence. And I think to make comments just based on gossip, rumours, and so, it's just creating another layer of...I won't say the word because I will have to go to the steward tonight. At one stage, we just have to trust the governing body, as Peter [Bayer] said before. Perhaps I'm a bit naive, but I think that we have to give them the responsibility to do this job."

Toto Wolff supports Susie Wolff

Susie Wolff is unhappy with how the FIA handled this and has filed a criminal complaint. Speaking to Sky Sports, Toto Wolff expresses his support towards his wife. "First of all, Susie is a strong woman. She doesn't take anything from anyone and has always followed through on her convictions and values. That's the case here. She's very unemotional about it and pragmatic. She feels wrong was done, and the court needs to hear that. Nothing's going to bring her off that path. That's how her character is." See his full comments here.

Why Williams might only run one car

Alexander Albon caused the first red flag in Australia with a crash. The Thai driver went over the kerb at turn six and lost control due to the imbalance in his car. The Williams driver ended up hard in the wall but was fortunately able to exit. The team then reported that he would not take part in FP2. During the session, concerns increased. 

The Williams team confirmed to GPblog that they have no spare chassis in Melbourne. They're checking if repairs are possible. If the car cannot be repaired overnight, the team will have to choose who will compete in the only available Williams at the Australian Grand Prix.

Issues for Verstappen and Red Bull

Max Verstappen did not have the day he had hoped for beforehand. A damaged floor sustained in FP1 made the Red Bull Racing driver have to wait a while before he was allowed on track for the second session. In it, the three-time world champion failed to match Charles Leclerc's fast time. Verstappen was four-tenths shy of the Ferrari driver.

The qualifying simulations in the second free practice session suggest there could be an exciting battle between Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen for pole position in Australia. The man from Monaco took home the spoils from FP2 but whether that remains the case for the meaningful session remains to be seen.