Formula One finally returns to Melbourne needing to learn from past mistakes

Spectres of the race that never was will haunt those who walk back into the paddock for this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix – especially Formula One's top decision-makers.

Last time the teams rolled into Melbourne the planet was in the early spasms of a global pandemic. And in their bid to outrun it, those in charge hardly covered themselves in glory.

They tried to pretend the health crisis could be outdistanced by the sheer power of money, or was it that they thought the rules did not apply to them?

Then, the night before the new season was to roar into life, a McLaren mechanic tested positive for Covid. Even with the deadly virus in the paddock it took an all-night meeting for senior figures to agree on the obvious decision.

Despite fears the pandemic could sound the sport’s death knell there have been 41 Grands Prix since — but none in Australia until now.

And, that black episode aside, F1 deserves no little credit for manoeuvring thousands of staff, 660 tons of cargo and seven 747s through a global patchwork of changing health rules and regulations week after week.

Some, like Lewis Hamilton, Daniel Ricciardo, and Sebastian Vettel, have caught the virus and recovered but, thankfully, there were no deaths. Sadly the wider lesson was not taken on board.

When Houthi terrorists attacked an oil depot close to the Saudi Arabian circuit in Jeddah a fortnight back fearful drivers wanted to cut and run. They voted unanimously not to race but were persuaded to change their minds.

F1 cannot be judge and jury on all of mankind’s woes but, surely, there is a middle ground in which the sport’s global influence can shine a light in dark corners where it is needed? The talking has to start before change can begin.

Thankfully, F1