TWO RACES down, 22 to go, and the Formula 1 paddock is making its way Down Under this weekend for the annual Australian F1 Grand Prix.
F1 is back at Albert Park, a track that saw its rebrand in 2022 with seven corners modified – with two removed entirely – bringing the total number of turns down to just 14. This track screams fast, and as history tells us, the Australian Grand Prix has a knack for producing some of the calendar’s most memorable racing moments.
It’s been a tale of the two Red Bull drivers, with both Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez occupying a residence in the 1 and 2 positions on the grid in the first two races of the season. But, the third time is a charm, right? Well, let’s hope so. For any driver to knock Red Bull off their dominating perch, they need to be practically flawless.
Here is everything you need to know about what’s going down at the Australian GP this weekend – and how you can get in on all the action without even attending a race.
What is history of the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix?
One of the oldest surviving motorsport competitions held in Australia, the Australian Grand Prix has been held at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne since 1996, with the exceptions of 2020 and 2021, when the races were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The move to Melbourne changed the time of year that the F1 teams and personnel made their annual voyage to Australia. Adelaide was the final race of the F1 season for each of its 11 years, usually in October or November, while for us lucky Aussies, Melbourne has been the first race of the season in 20 of the 25 times it has hosted the Grand Prix.
How do you get to the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix?
Public transport is the best way to get to and from the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit, as there is no public parking available at the circuit. More than 4,800 extra tram services will be running, with Yarra Trams operating a shuttle service between Southern Cross and Flinders Street stations and Albert Park as often as every 1-2 minutes during peak times and 3-10 minutes out of peak times from 5:30 am to 10:00 pm. Tram shuttles are free with your Grand Prix ticket.
Check for public transport and road network disruptions before you go, and plan ahead at ptv.vic.gov.au/grandprix.
Who won the Australian Grand Prix in 2023?
Last year’s Aussie F1 GP was a spectator’s dream. The race was notable for its chaotic and bizarre on-track events, with a total of three red flags and a final lap rolling start showdown. Ultimately, Max Verstappen emerged victorious for the first time on Australian soil, doing it in a race full of mechanical errors, on-track collisions, gravel trap victims and a rogue Kevin Magnusson wheel.
Instagram | @ausgp
Last year’s race was a testament to Formula 1’s unpredictability, with unexpected incidents affecting the race’s outcome. It was a wild and exciting ride for the fans, reminding us of why we love the sport.
Who will win the 2024 Australian Grand Prix?
Red Bull are expected to lead the pack, with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, respectively, at the forefront of the title challenge. Red Bull has a ferocious mentality when it comes to F1. It’s win at all costs for them, and taking home the ‘W’ this weekend will cement their blemish-free 2024 season start. Expect them to be pushing for the podium come race day.
It feels like Ferrari is the only team competitive enough to nip at Red Bull’s heels. Charles Leclerc has shown pace and maturity in the first two races, shaping as the biggest threat to rattle the cages of Verstappen and Perez.
Throwing in a little hometown amusement into this prediction, how can anyone look past young Aussie gun Oscar Piastri? A potential legend in the making, Piastri is a potential future world champion, and it’s only his second season driving in F1. Claiming 4th position in the last race in Saudi Arabia, it makes sense to give Piastri a dark horse chance to make a move on the top three this weekend.
Instagram | @oscarpiastri
Although historically unpredictable, Melbourne’s weather looks cool and dry this weekend. In such conditions, tyre strategy will prove critical, particularly when the temperature drops. Teams will need to drag as much life out of their tyres as possible, as dry races only really give teams a couple of pit stop chances to make a move. Strategically calling these pit stops correctly can result in tremendous advantages on what might be a stagnant grid.
The 2024 F1 leaderboard:
1) Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing – 51 points
2) Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing – 36 points
3) Charles Leclerc, Ferrari – 28 points
4) George Russell, Mercedes-Benz AMG – 18 points
5) Oscar Piastri, McLaren – 16 points
6) Carlos Sainz, Ferrari – 15 points
7) Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin – 12 points
8) Lando Norris, McLaren – 12 points
9) Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes-Benz AMG – 8 points
10) Oliver Bearman, Ferrari – 6 points
11) Nico Hulkenberg, Haas – 1 point
12) Lance Stroll, Aston Martin – 1 point
13) Alexander Albon, Williams – 0 points
14) Zhou Guanyu, Sauber – 0 points
15) Kevin Magnussen, Haas – 0 points
16) Daniel Ricciardo, RB – 0 points
17) Esteban Ocon, Alpine – 0 points
18) Yuki Tsunoda, RB – 0 points
19) Logan Sargeant, Williams – 0 points
20) Valtteri Bottas, Sauber – 0 points
21) Pierre Gasly, Alpine – 0 points
The 2024 Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix schedule
The Australian Grand Prix will start with the Practice 1 race on Friday, 22 March (12:30 pm AEDT). This hour-long session will be followed by a second practice race, Practice 2, later that day (4:00 pm AEST).
On Saturday, 23 March, a third practice session, the Practice 3 race, will begin at 12:30 pm AEDT. Later that day, the drivers will roll out on the circuit for the qualifying race at 4 pm AEDT. The result of this qualifying race will set the grid for the main event.
The final or primary race of the Australian Grand Prix 2024 will be held on Sunday, 24 March, at 3 pm AEDT.
Where can you watch F1 in Australia?
Every practice, qualifying session and Grand Prix of the 2024 F1 season will be broadcast live in 4K on Fox Sports and Foxtel Now. All races can also be streamed live and on demand on Kayo.
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