Asher Beatty (right) and friend Harper Wallace.Credit: Gemma Grant

There were audible gasps from the crowd when Jack Doohan was forced to abandon his hometown grand prix, with the young debutant seemingly finished before he’d even started.

But Aussies fans are still having a great time. The grandstands are full and people are lining the perimeter of the track in all directions.

Williams diehard Asher Beatty has enjoyed watching the season opener in Melbourne. “I’m loving it… I’m loving the wet,” Beatty said. “I’m excited to see how how it goes… it’s great to have the first race here.”

Beatty and friend Harper Wallace were disappointed to see Doohan out so early, but said it didn’t come completely out of the blue.

“I’m more going for Piastri… I wasn’t really expecting much from Doohan,” Wallace said.

“Yeah… I’m not too surprised,” Beatty agreed.

Harsh – but probably fair. Lucky the Melbourne local is doing so well — he’s currently in second place.