
How the magic of Melbourne proved Australia might be Formula One's answer
The event's success is attributed to factors like Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari, Oscar Piastri 's participation, F1's 75th anniversary, and the sport's growing popularity.
Melbourne embraced the Grand Prix with themed events and activities throughout the city, creating a vibrant atmosphere beyond the circuit.
The Australian Grand Prix Corporation aims to enhance the event further by incorporating local elements and innovating to cater to a changing demographic, including a younger audience and more families.
While time zone differences pose a challenge for international viewers, Australia 's record-breaking attendance and the event's overall success make a strong case for it to continue hosting the season opener.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Auto Blog
an hour ago
- Auto Blog
The Forgotten Ferraris: 5 Models That Deserve More Love
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Looking for a lease on the new 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe? Find out the August lease special, including monthly payment, term length, and down payment for this popular SUV. A Ferrari is still a Ferrari (that is, unless it's a Mondial) When you think of Ferrari, chances are your mind jumps straight to icons like the F40, 250 GTO, LaFerrari, or even more modern fare like the SF90 Stradale, the 296GTB, and the new F80. While not all of the modern Ferraris are as iconic as the ones of old, they're still worthy road and track machines that command attention. But what about those lesser Ferraris that don't end up on teenage boys' walls or command high prices at auction? There are a handful of prancing horses that slip through the cracks—Ferraris that, despite their engineering excellence and distinctive character, remain underappreciated or overlooked. Here are five forgotten Ferraris that deserve far more love than they get—from collectors, enthusiasts, and the Ferrari faithful alike. 0:04 / 0:09 2025 Audi S3: 4 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to think twice Watch More Ferrari 612 Scaglietti (2004–2011) Engine: 5.7-liter V12 Power: 533 hp 0–60 mph: 4.0 seconds Top Speed: 199 mph At first glance, the 612 Scaglietti ('skal-yeti') doesn't scream Ferrari. Back when it was new, it didn't turn heads or grab headlines the way the 458 Italia did. The 612 Scaglietti is a big, understated 2+2 grand tourer with smooth, flowing lines that made it more elegant than aggressive. That design, penned by Pininfarina, didn't immediately resonate with traditionalists who wanted more muscular curves or mid-engine theater. Some viewed it as having too soft a look to be a hot performer, but they'd be wrong. The 612 was never meant to be a brash supercar because it was built for covering long distances in supreme comfort and style, with room for four. Under the hood sat a sonorous V12 derived from none other than the hyper-exclusive Enzo supercar, paired to either a six-speed manual or the F1-style automated manual transmission. In terms of practicality and performance, the 612 delivered in spades, and today it represents a surprisingly affordable gateway into V12 Ferrari ownership. Good versions sell for between $80,000 and $150,000, and the fact that you can have one for the price of a new BMW 7-Series is almost shocking. Its aluminum chassis, adaptive suspension, and usable rear seats make it a rare offering in Ferrari history—one that's aged with quiet dignity and whose appearance has held up quite well over time. It's time the 612 Scaglietti got its due as a refined and capable GT machine. Ferrari FF (2011–2016) Engine: 6.3-liter V12 Power: 651 hp 0–60 mph: 3.7 seconds Top Speed: 208 mph Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The FF is what you'd call a 'family Ferrari'. That's right, the slinky all-wheel drive, four-passenger, hatchback shooting brake was touted as just that. The 'FF' name stood for 'Ferrari Four,' denoting its four-wheel drive. Ferraristi didn't know what to make of it because there had never been anything like it before (unless you consider the 1962 250 GT SWB Breadvan). The mere thought of putting your child in the back seat of a Ferrari was pretty radical, but the FF could do it with luxury and aplomb. Source: Amos Kwon The FF's V12 remains one of Ferrari's finest, delivering instant throttle response, an engine note from the automotive gods, and relentless acceleration. The innovative 4RM all-wheel-drive system was rear-biased and incredibly lightweight, preserving much of the classic V12 grand touring Ferrari driving feel while adding all-weather traction. Despite its polarizing styling and hefty price tag when new, the FF has developed a niche following. It's eminently practical as a daily driver thanks to its AWD and room. It offers practicality, exclusivity, and real-world versatility that few exotics can match. For those in the know, the FF is a modern classic in the making, and the average used price right now is just over $132,000. That's about $30,000 less than a new Maserati GranTurismo. That's a no-brainer, we say. Ferrari 456 GT/GTA (1992–2003) Engine: 5.5-liter V12 Power: 436 hp 0–60 mph: 5.1 seconds Top Speed: 186 mph The 456 GT marked Ferrari's return to the front-engine V12 grand touring formula after a break from that effort in the '80s. The long, sculpted hood, the eggcrate grille, and the flip-up headlights gave the 456 GT presence. Credit goes to Pietro Camardella at Pininfarina for giving the 456 GT an understated yet undeniably elegant look. Like its 360 Modena sibling, nothing about the styling of the 456 GT was overdone. With a sloping roofline that terminated into a lovely integrated decklid spoiler and capped off by quad round taillights and quad tailpipes that sang mellifluous V12 notes, the 456 GT was a gentleman's GT. At the time, it was one of the few Ferraris available with an automatic transmission, known as the 456 GTA, which made it appealing to a wider swath of customers. That said, the gated manual shifter is our choice. Despite the 456 GT's luxurious appointments, it was no slouch. The V12 engine delivered strong performance, and the car's dynamics were impressive for its size and layout. Today, the 456 remains one of the most affordable V12 Ferraris on the used market, with good examples going for about $72,000. It's a Ferrari classic that can be had for a little more than a Mercedes E-Class. Tough choice? Not really. Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina (2001) Engine: 5.5-liter V12 Power: 485 hp 0–60 mph: 4.4 seconds Top Speed: 186 mph If you love the 550 Maranello as much as we do, the Barchetta ratchets it up a notch. Built to commemorate Pininfarina's 70th anniversary, the 550 Barchetta (Italian for 'little boat') was a limited-run, open-top version of the iconic front-engined V12, rear-wheel drive Maranello. The 550 Barchetta embodied everything wonderful about the 550 hardtop but chopped off the roof, added roll-hoops at the cowls, and a manually removable and abbreviated fabric top meant only for light rain. Ferrari made a mere 448 units, which is part of the reason why you never see them. They also didn't get as much love as the F50 or the Enzo did. The Barchetta was like an Italian speedboat on wheels. It was a pure-looking and pure-driving Ferrari that came with a gated six-speed manual and minimal driver aids. This was a car designed for blasts down sunny Italian coasts listening to the sonorous V12 soundtrack. The heavily bolstered seats, the gated manual shifter, and the waterfall center console all contributed to a driving experience that elicited nothing but grins. While it's not nearly as affordable as some of the other Ferraris here, averaging about $480,000, it's a very reasonable price to pay for such stunning and powerful exclusivity. Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 (1973–1980) Engine: 3.0-liter V8 Power: 240 hp 0–60 mph: 6.4 seconds Top Speed: 155 mph The Dino 308 GT4 isn't nearly as prominent as the Dino 206 and Dino 246 GTs, but it stands out in Ferrari history as the first first mid-engine V8 production car, the first Ferrari badged as a 'Dino' (named for Enzo's son) before eventually wearing the Prancing Horse badge, and the only Ferrari designed by Bertone rather than Pininfarina during that period. The Bertone style stood out in the 308 GT4's straight-edge styling, which was more reminiscent of a Lotus Esprit than a Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona. Its angular, wedge-like styling wasn't universally loved, but the GT4's 2+2 layout, balanced handling, and high-revving V8 made it a rewarding driver's car. It offered Ferrari thrills in a more practical and attainable package. Not exactly beloved in the Ferrari collector world, the GT4 has begun to gain appreciation as enthusiasts seek more accessibility into vintage Ferrari ownership. With its racing DNA, daily usability, and unique place in Ferrari's history, the Dino 308 GT4 is pretty affordable, unlike other Ferraris from the same era. Examples sell for between $40,000 and $80,000. Final thoughts Each of these Ferrari models represents a unique chapter in Ferrari's history. They may not have the instant-name recognition of the Testarossa or F40, but they offer something equally important: individuality. Whether it's the grand touring prowess of the 612, the all-weather usability of the FF, or the nautical-themed 550 Barchetta, these forgotten Ferraris remind us that the brand's greatness isn't confined to just its most boisterous and head-turning models. Granted, not everyone can find (nor afford) the Barchetta, but that 456 GT might be calling your name. About the Author Amos Kwon View Profile


Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
'We'll be dead in 200 years... I am trying to have a good time': Lando Norris not desperate enough for world title to pick a fight with McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri
Lando Norris says he does not want to win the world title desperately enough to pick a fight with his McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri, reasoning that in, '200 years no one's going to care.' Managing his own expectations? Downplaying pressure? A reflection of the labyrinths of his mind? Anyway, ahead of Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix, the smiling Bristolian was asked if he would ratchet up the aggression in what has been an unusually harmonious relationship despite the championship contest being between them alone. Norris, who trails Piastri by 16 points ahead of the final round before the summer break, and has admitted to self-doubts, said: 'We'll be dead in 200 years. I am trying to have a good time.' Though he added: 'I still care about it. I'm so upset sometimes and get angry at myself. 'That shows just how much I care about winning. But it doesn't mean I need to take it out on Oscar. I don't get into those kinds of (intimidatory) things. Norris pictured during Friday's practice session at the Grand Prix of Hungary in Mogyorod 'If I don't beat him, I don't beat him. I will do it the way I believe is best for me. If others have done it differently, it doesn't mean I have to do it that way.' Norris was quickest in both practice sessions on Friday. Nobody will remember that in 200 years, but it was a good sign for the next 48 hours. If Lando can hold his nerve.


The Independent
5 hours ago
- The Independent
Lando Norris plays it very cool when asked on F1 title battle: ‘Won't matter once we're all dead'
Lando Norris has offered a remarkably philosophical take on his Formula One championship battle with McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri, declaring that the outcome ultimately matters little because "in 200 years we will all be dead". Norris arrives at the final round before Formula One's three-week summer shutdown 16 points adrift of Piastri, whose title momentum surged after last weekend's rain-affected race in Belgium. Despite starting on pole, Norris was overtaken by Piastri in treacherous conditions. With McLaren's current superiority, it is Piastri who has emerged as Norris's primary rival for this season's crown, holding six wins to Norris's four. When asked if he needs to get under the Australian's skin to secure his maiden F1 title, Norris replied: "I don't enjoy that. In 200 years no one is going to care. We'll all be dead. "I am trying to have a good time. I still care about it, and that's why I get upset sometimes and I get disappointed and I get angry at myself. And I think that shows just how much I care about winning and losing. But that doesn't mean I need to take it out on Oscar. I just don't get into those kind of things." Historically, intra-team title battles in F1 are fraught, but Norris maintains a pragmatic view. "Yes, he (Piastri) is the guy I want to beat more than anyone else," he admitted. "But if I don't beat him, then that's just because he has done a better job. I will do it the way I believe is best for me, and just because one person did it a few years ago, it doesn't mean you have to do that, too. I don't really care about those things." At the Hungaroring on Friday, Norris demonstrated his prowess with an impressive practice double, narrowly beating Piastri by just 0.019 seconds in the first session before extending his lead to nearly three tenths later in the day. Norris has an unblemished record of never being out-qualified by a team-mate in his six previous visits to this circuit, a promising sign from his practice performance. Elsewhere, Lewis Hamilton, a record eight-time winner and nine-time pole-sitter in Hungary, struggled for pace. The 40-year-old, still seeking a podium in Ferrari colours, complained his car didn't "feel good" and ran off track after a major lock-up in the first session, ending the day sixth, three tenths and three places behind team-mate Charles Leclerc. Max Verstappen, who recently committed his future to Red Bull for at least another season, also had an uncharacteristically difficult day, finishing a distant 14th in practice, 1.1 seconds slower than Norris. "I don't know what is going on," Verstappen radioed. "It is just undriveable." He also faced a stewards' investigation for throwing a towel from his cockpit but received only a warning.