Grand Prix Melbourne 2024 LIVE updates: Verstappen’s ’75 seconds of magic’ might be the key moment

It has got warmer here at Albert Park … at least due to the sun.

From a slightly fresh start to the day, the sun is now shining bright at the F1 circuit located only a few kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD.

With less than one hour until race start, it’s hovering about 20 degrees Celsius.

Formula 1 stewards have given final approval for this year’s starting grid.

It’s worth noting that Zhou Guanyu, of the Kick Sauber team, will start from pit lane after modifications were made to his car.

That means Daniel Ricciardo, 18th on the grid, will be the last visible car in the straight when the green light for the race start goes.

“Car modified whilst under Parc Fermé conditions,” is the official terminology.

There was some drama at the track on Saturday night for the Red Bull juggernaut when Sergio Perez was slapped with a penalty for impeding Nico Hulkenberg during qualifying.

It cost Perez, who initially qualified third, three places on the grid, which was great news for Australia’s Oscar Piastri.

He moves up one spot to fifth for the start of Sunday afternoon’s race, behind Max Verstappen, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc. Here’s Matthew Clayton’s news from qualifying.

For those tuning in (and checking in) from all over the globe.