The Athletic

The race is on

And as Formula One makes its way back to Melbourne

for the Australian Grand Prix,

we also had news that it'll be returning to Las Vegas next year

for F1's first Saturday race in 38 years. But why is Vegas

so important for F1 and looking shorter term? Who is favourite for this weekend's race?

I'm Ed's draw and joining me to answer those questions and many more are Mark Hughes and special

guest Michael Lamanato. Well Mark, hello, you'll be jumping on a flight to Melbourne shortly.

Last time in 2020, it was a rather futile journey for all of us, given the race never

happened.

But it's good to be going back to where, in F1 terms, at least the whole COVID-19 pandemic

started, isn't it?

Not for that reason, but yeah, yeah, I always love going to Melbourne, but yeah, I don't look back on that,

on the beginning of COVID with fond memories, but yeah, it's great to be going back.

And, yeah, I'm sure, I'm sure the whole of F1 is delighted to be going back there.

Yeah, I was more thinking it was a nice full circle to signal that we've got to the end of it or something like that.

But it does sound a little bit to celebratory.

Hello also to our special guest, Michael Lamanato from Fox Sports Australia,

who can offer the genuine Australian perspective.

For those who don't know him, Michael's also

the host of various F1 podcasts, including the F1 Strategy Report. And in fact, one of the last things

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